Improving nurse computer proficiency with a tri-focal educational intervention

ABSTRACT Use of the electronic health record is expanding rapidly. Nurses are primary users of this technology and more than half rate their own computer skills to be below average. Nurses at this ambulatory genitourinary oncology practice recognized a need to improve information technology (IT) skills in the nursing team. An assessment was undertaken of nurses working in the unit by means of a confidential survey. The survey questioned nurses' ability to perform unit‐specific tasks as well as offering a free text component to identify further educational needs. Survey responses identified a need to improve computer proficiency. A nurse‐led, unit‐specific, educational intervention was developed to address this need and improve nurses IT skills. Unit‐specific competencies were identified as well as basic computer skills. The intervention was targeted at adult learners and addressed different styles of learning. A PowerPoint presentation was developed utilizing a step‐by‐step pictorial and written instruction to guide the nurse to complete the intended task. This was presented in small groups to allow visual and auditory learning. The PowerPoint presentation was also e‐mailed to each staff member for reference and personal learning. Finally, multiple opportunities for hands on learning were offered in small groups or one‐on‐one to allow kinesthetic learning to take place. Post‐survey results demonstrated an increase in unit‐specific competencies and improved overall confidence in IT skills. This was a small group of nurses N = 53, pre‐survey responses (N = 32) and post‐survey responses (N = 14) were low but within expected norms for surveys. A unit‐specific peer led intervention can improve IT skills in nurses and open a dialogue about computer skills