Nurses’ perceptions of videoconferencing telenursing: comparing frontal learning vs. online learning before and after the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, a digital transformation led to an expansion in telenursing practices and a shift in training to online learning. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of behavioral-related factors, based on both TAM and TPB variables, on the intention to use telenursing through videoconferencing and to compare the effect of frontal (before COVID-19) vs. online (during and after COVID-19) training in post-basic nursing courses on nursing attitudes to telenursing. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in December 2022 among nurses working mainly at hospitals in Israel who underwent post-basic education training between January 2017 and December 2022. A multivariate ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis was used to investigate determinants of intention to use telenursing through videoconferencing Results: Nurses have a positive attitude towards telenursing technology via videoconferencing for remote patient care, regardless of whether they learned about it through face-to-face or online training. The ease of use and the perception of the technology's importance by colleagues and supervisors were found to have the most significant impact on the attitude of both research groups towards the use of telelearning. Discussion: Successful implementation of new technology in healthcare requires organizational and collegial support. Therefore, managers should encourage the use of telenursing by providing appropriate training for nurses and the necessary resources and support.