Developing Digital Expertise in the Nursing Profession
University of the Sunshine Coast
The Challenge
Rapid development in digital health technologies, including tools driven by artificial intelligence, requires nurses, the largest professional group in the healthcare workforce, to have digital literacy, self-efficacy, and a fundamental understanding of related terminology. Nurses play a critical role in adopting and implementing digital technologies that enhance patient care, such as wearable devices, robotics, smart sensors and artificial intelligence. However, significant gaps persist in understanding their readiness to engage with such tools.
The Partnership
A team of researchers in digital health Led by Dr Gordana Dermody from UniSC, in partnership with the UCL Institute of Health Informatics, London formed to examine this issue. ComLink have come on board to trial intergenerational co-learning between university students and older adults.
The Solution
A need for shared responsibility for developing digital expertise in the nursing profession is required. Early exposure and preparation can assist the future nursing workforce in becoming familiar with emerging technologies and enhance their confidence, enabling them to move beyond using technology effectively to focusing on learning to identify how data can inform and enhance nursing care. Through the Health ProductivityLab at UniSC, we are developing an intergenerational co-learning of digital health skills between university students in health and older adults.
Recognition & Impact
- Dermody G, El Haddad M, Wadsworth D, Prichard R, Craswell A. (2025) Need for a shared responsibility for developing digital Expertise in the Nursing Profession. Studies in health technology and informatics. 319. InPress.
- Dermody, G., Wadsworth, D., El Haddad, M., Prichard, R., Benson, A., Benson, T., & Craswell, A. (2025).Bridging the Digital Divide: A Multi-Method Evaluation of Nursing Readiness for Digital Health Technology. Journal of Advanced Nursing,10.1111/jan.70105. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.70105
Project Highlights
- Developing digital literacy curriculum for upskilling undergraduate nurses
- Stakeholder consultation and collaboration with clinical staff as change champions is optimising the integration of digital health technologies in nursing curricula
- Collaboration developing with ComLink for intergenerational co-learning
Contact Person & Details
- Associate Prof Alison Craswell, NIIN Research Chair in Digital Health and Ageing, School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coas acraswell@usc.edu.au
Spin-off Projects
- Codesigning dashboards for remote monitoring of older adults that support knowledge development and nursing workflow.