Information and Communication Technology Proficiency and Utilization of Electronic Resources among Practicing Nurses in South-South, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines Information and Communication Technology (ICT) proficiency and electronic resource utilization among practicing nurses in South-South Nigeria. The study was driven by three research questions, and the relevant literature was reviewed accordingly. A descriptive research design was used to target nurses in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers states. 600 nurses were chosen using stratified random sampling (100 from each state). A self-structured questionnaire was used to collect data, and descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, and arithmetic means were used in the analysis. The findings reveal that nurses have inadequate ICT skill, particularly in basic computer operations, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, internet use, email communication, electronic medical records, and telemedicine platforms.  Electronic resource consumption is also low, with little interest in clinical decision support systems, telehealth services, and hospital intranet resources. Adoption barriers include inadequate ICT infrastructure, insufficient training, aversion to change, data privacy concerns, high expenses, unpredictable power supply, lack of technical support, time restrictions, system incompatibility, and a scarcity of relevant digital resources. Addressing these difficulties necessitates enhanced infrastructure, ongoing training, and supportive policies that promote digital competency. The study emphasizes the critical need to improve digital literacy, increase resource availability, and promote institutional support in order to match nursing practice with current healthcare demands.