Enhancing Nursing Informatics Competence Among Clinical Nurses

Importance of Nursing Informatics in Modern Healthcare

The integration of nursing informatics into clinical practice is becoming increasingly critical as the healthcare landscape evolves. Nursing informatics is defined as a blend of nursing science, computer science, and information science, which enables nurses to manage and communicate data, information, and knowledge in their practice (Fei et al., 2025). This integration is essential for improving patient outcomes, enhancing the efficiency of healthcare delivery, and empowering nurses to make informed decisions based on real-time data.

In today’s digital age, effective nursing informatics competence is vital for nurses to navigate electronic health records (EHRs), telehealth platforms, and various clinical decision support systems effectively. It allows nurses to optimize care delivery, manage patient information securely, and engage in evidence-based practice. As healthcare systems increasingly rely on technology, the demand for nurses proficient in informatics has surged, making it a fundamental competency for nursing professionals.

The role of informatics in nursing extends beyond mere data entry; it encompasses the ability to analyze data trends, utilize informatics tools to enhance care quality, and educate patients about their health decisions through technology. As highlighted by the World Health Organization, the digital transformation of healthcare is crucial for improving patient care and achieving better health outcomes (World Health Organization, 2023).

Key Factors Influencing Nursing Informatics Competence

Several factors significantly influence the development of nursing informatics competence among clinical nurses. These include educational background, access to technology, training opportunities, and personal attributes like computer self-efficacy and job satisfaction.

1. Educational Background: Nurses with higher levels of education tend to possess better informatics competencies. Research indicates that nurses with postgraduate degrees show higher proficiency in utilizing information technologies effectively in clinical settings (Fei et al., 2025).

2. Access to Technology: The availability of technological resources within healthcare facilities plays a critical role in enhancing informatics skills. Hospitals equipped with advanced information systems and supportive infrastructure enable nurses to practice informatics competently.

3. Training Opportunities: Structured training programs that focus on nursing informatics are essential for developing the required competencies. Ongoing training helps nurses stay updated on the latest technologies and practices (Fei et al., 2025).

4. Personal Attributes: Computer self-efficacy, defined as an individual’s belief in their ability to use computers, significantly influences a nurse’s competence in informatics. Higher self-efficacy correlates with better performance in informatics tasks, as well as greater motivation to learn and apply new technologies (Fei et al., 2025).

5. Job Satisfaction: Research shows that nurses who experience higher job satisfaction are more likely to engage positively with informatics training and exhibit better informatics skills. This relationship underscores the importance of a supportive work environment (Fei et al., 2025).

Psychometric Validation of the K-NICAS for Chinese Nurses

The Korean Nursing Informatics Competence Assessment Scale (K-NICAS) has been adapted and validated for use among Chinese clinical nurses to provide a standardized measure of informatics competence. The psychometric validation process involved translating the K-NICAS into Chinese and assessing its reliability and validity through a rigorous research study.

Methodology

The study involved a cross-sectional approach with 1,212 clinical nurses from various hospitals in China. The K-NICAS was translated using the Brislin model, ensuring cultural relevance and clarity. The validity was assessed through content validity, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability was measured using internal consistency and test-retest reliability methods.

The results indicated that the Chinese version of the K-NICAS exhibited strong psychometric properties, with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.927, demonstrating excellent internal consistency. Content validity index (CVI) values ranged from 0.86 to 1.00, indicating a high degree of relevance for the items included in the scale (Fei et al., 2025).

Table 1: Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of K-NICAS

Strategies for Improving Nursing Informatics Training

Improving nursing informatics training is crucial for equipping clinical nurses with the skills necessary to thrive in a technology-driven healthcare environment. Several strategies can be employed:

1. Curriculum Development: Educational institutions should integrate nursing informatics into their curricula, ensuring that future nurses acquire essential informatics skills during their training (Fei et al., 2025).

2. Workshops and Continuing Education: Regular workshops and continuing education programs focusing on the latest informatics tools and technologies can help practicing nurses enhance their skills and knowledge.

3. Mentorship Programs: Establishing mentorship programs where experienced nurses guide less experienced colleagues can facilitate knowledge transfer and confidence building in using informatics systems.

4. Simulation Training: Using simulations to create realistic clinical scenarios allows nurses to practice informatics skills in a safe environment, helping them gain confidence and competence without risking patient safety.

5. Access to Resources: Providing nurses with access to educational resources, such as online courses and tutorials, can empower them to learn at their own pace and improve their informatics skills.

Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Nurses’ Informatics Skills

Socioeconomic factors can significantly influence nurses’ ability to develop informatics skills. For example, nurses working in high-resourced environments with access to advanced technologies and training opportunities are likely to demonstrate higher levels of informatics competence. Conversely, nurses in underfunded or rural settings may lack access to essential resources, hindering their ability to utilize informatics in practice effectively.

Additionally, socioeconomic status can affect nurses’ job satisfaction and professional development opportunities. Nurses from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may face barriers in accessing continuing education and training programs, negatively impacting their informatics competencies (Fei et al., 2025).

Table 2: Socioeconomic Factors Influencing Informatics Competence

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is nursing informatics?

Nursing informatics is a specialty that integrates nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage and communicate data, information, and knowledge in nursing practice.

Why is nursing informatics important?

Nursing informatics is crucial for improving patient care, enhancing the efficiency of healthcare delivery, and empowering nurses to make informed clinical decisions.

How can nursing informatics competence be improved?

Improvements can be made through curriculum development, ongoing training, mentorship programs, simulation training, and access to digital resources.

What factors influence nursing informatics competence?

Key factors include educational background, access to technology, training opportunities, personal attributes such as computer self-efficacy, and job satisfaction.

How was the K-NICAS validated for Chinese nurses?

The K-NICAS was translated into Chinese and its validity and reliability were assessed through a study involving 1,212 clinical nurses, demonstrating strong psychometric properties.

References

1. Fei, J., Liang, C., Su, W., Wang, Y., Xu, K., Cheng, J., Ma, Y., Zhu, Y., & Jiang, Z. (2025). Psychometric validation of the Chinese version of the nursing informatics competence scale and analysis of influencing factors. BMC Nursing, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-03441-x

2. World Health Organization. (2023). Digital transformation of health services b.1.1.529)-sars-cov-2-variant-of-concern

3. Staggers, N., Gassert, C. A., & Curran, C. (2002). A Delphi study to determine informatics competencies for nurses at four levels of practice. Nursing Research, 51(6), 383–390

4. Hussey, K. A., & Kennedy, M. A. (2016). Instantiating informatics in nursing practice for integrated patient centered holistic models of care: a discussion paper. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 72(5), 1030–1041

5. Eley, R., Fallon, T., Soar, J., Buikstra, E., & Hegney, D. (2008). The status of training and education in information and computer technology of Australian nurses: a national survey. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 17(20), 2758–2767