The implementation of electronic documentation in the clinical hospital and nursing education: a research on attitudes and views

Introduction: Electronic documentation systems are increasingly being applied in the clinical setting for improvement the quality of nursing care. There is evidence that printed nursing documentation is an insufficient method and therefore, the transition to Electronic Nursing Documentation (END) must be supported by all relevant bodies. Aim: The aim of the present systematic review was to investigate the attitudes and views of nurses for the implementation of END in the clinical setting as well as nursing students on the integration of HNT into the nursing education. Methods: A systematic review was executed in November 2017, on the electronic databases of MEDLINE and CINAHL. The criteria for implementation in the current study were as follows: a) Primary quantitative and qualitative studies bin nurses and nursing students, c) the aim of which was to investigate the attitudes and views regarding the END d) published in English language e) between 2000 to 2017. Results: Fourteen studies have been carried out which were classified into two main categories: a) the attitudes and views of nursing staff on END in the clinical setting (n=8), b) the attitudes and views of nurses and nursing students for the HNT integration into the undergraduate nursing program ((n=6). The majority of the studies agree that the attitudes and views of nurses are positive regarding the application of END in the clinical setting. Furthermore, positive attitudes and perspectives are expressed in all of the studies towards the introduction of END in the undergraduate degree programs in nursing institutions. Conclusions: Overall, nurses recognize the significance of upgrading from printed nursing documentation to electronic form as it improves the quality of nursing care and reinforces the nursing occupation. The introduction of educational programs regarding the END in the nursing degree course offers nursing students a secure and supportive environment and in addition it enhances communication and strengthens critical thinking