Nurses left in the dark over eHealth despite growing interest
Published: 04 November 2010
Less than half of nurses (49 percent) believe electronic patient records are more secure than paper based systems, according to a new survey published today by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).
The overall survey findings underline the need for greater emphasis on education and training for nurses in the benefits of using new IT systems. More than half (52 per cent) of the 1300 nurses surveyed received no IT training within working time in the last six months, while nearly three in five nurses (59 per cent) feel they need extra training.
However, the survey of more than 1300 RCN members, sponsored by Intel, reveals that two thirds (66 per cent) of nurses believe electronic patient records will save them time, showing the potential of eHealth in creating a more efficient NHS at a time when health organisations across the UK are being asked to make efficiency savings across many areas.
The survey also reveals nurses’ support for telehealth, which includes managing patients at a distance or in their own home, for example via videoconferencing or via remote consultation or monitoring.
Nearly three quarters of nurses who have used telehealth rated the experience as ‘positive’, with half of nurses agreeing it will save time. The majority (71 per cent) of nurses also said they are interested in learning more about telehealth. Nurses cited sufferers of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and people with diabetes as prime examples of patients who would benefit from remote patient monitoring.
Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the RCN, said:
“The fact that so many nurses are worried about the security of electronic patient records reflects the need for improved education, training and consultation for staff in this area. We know that poor consultation with staff can often result in ineffective IT systems, which fail to deliver the promised improvements so it is vital that nurses’ voices are heard and their opinions taken on board.
“Electronic patient records will save nurses time, allowing them to work more efficiently and freeing them up to focus on frontline activities and providing the best possible patient care.
“The RCN is currently supporting the training of staff by developing an information pack and telehealth learning module, which will soon be available to RCN members. We have also produced eHealth guidance documents for nurses, which were published earlier this year.”
Claire Medd, Clinical specialist for Intel, said:
“The importance and potential of telehealth has become a vital part of healthcare discussions. There are a number of telehealth pilots in the UK and many are being supported and led by nurses, putting them at the forefront of eHealth. This survey highlights the willingness of nurses to learn about and embrace the benefits that technology can bring to nursing practice.”
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Notes for Editors
1. The RCN surveyed members from 14 July 2010 to 17 September 2010, receiving 1313 responses.
2. The RCN’s eHealth programme is being supported by Intel and is an extension of Intel’s activity in the eHealth arena and its commitment to delivering innovative technology to improve healthcare.
3. The RCN’s eHealth guidance documents are available to view here: http://www.rcn.org.uk/development/practice/e-health/links_to_resources
4. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organizations
5. For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media
6. Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.