Digital capability: An essential nursing skill for proficiency in a post‐COVID‐19 world

Abstract

AIM: We explored the importance of digital technologies to health responses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The benefits, challenges and barriers to developing digital capabilities are identified, and strategies to establish enduring digital proficiency among nurses and healthcare colleagues gained during the pandemic are canvassed. BACKGROUND: Since the mid-20th century, technology uptake by health practitioners has prioritised digital information and communication technology. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the need to adapt digital communication to dangerous clinical workplaces. Organisational policies enabled digital capabilities to replace in-person processes while preserving regulatory compliance, safety and security of patient information and staff deployment. SOURCES OF EVIDENCE: All evidence was accessed from publicly available sources. DISCUSSION: The COVID-19 pandemic was a catalyst for implementing Technology Enhanced Care Services. Health practitioners need appropriate digital capabilities for their roles and scope of practice. Nursing proficiency includes technological skills. Combining the Jisc Digital Capability Framework and the Health and Care Digital Capabilities Framework helps nurses achieve the technical expertise needed for clinical proficiency in contemporary healthcare environments. CONCLUSION: Healthcare workforce digital capability requires policies that resource digital technologies and individual user skills in dangerous COVID-19 workplaces. All involved must be abreast of technological changes and monitor technology effectiveness in innovation in patient care, professional education and evidence-based infectious disease management of healthcare systems. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE AND POLICY: Nurses and other practitioners in COVID-19-compromised settings must be able to use the embedded digital technologies in patient care, clinical management and education. Policies securing resources for nurses to learn to use digital technologies will ensure that digital systems are regularly upgraded and that nurses develop proficiency in using technology in their clinical practice. Work and workplace redesign needs compatible computer systems and software to support nursing innovation and digital proficiency.

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