Content area
Aim/objective
To investigate the underlying constructs of the 29 digital adaptability competencies to identify the phenomenon's key or conceptual properties.
BackgroundA shift towards a strong and increasing presence of eHealth in future practice requires the competencies of nurses and midwives. This ability to adapt to technological evolutions is called digital adaptability. A set of 29 items representing the competencies of digital adaptability for nurses and midwives provides the first comprehensive description of this relatively new concept.
DesignCross-sectional survey with a total sample size of 557 Flemish midwives and nurses.
MethodsInternal consistency and construct validity were established using Cronbach's alpha, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).
ResultsEFA revealed two factors: 'me and the digital world' (17 items) and 'me, the digital world, and my patient' (12 items). CFA tested the model and showed a good model-fit. Strong internal consistency was observed.
ConclusionsTwo factors were identified. The first, ‘me & the digital world,’ is task-oriented and focuses on nurses/midwives’ personal use of technology. The second, ‘me, the digital world, and my patient,’ is patient-centered and focuses on nurses' and midwives’ use of technology while interacting with their patients during care provision.
Details
Cronbach's alpha;
Adaptability;
Telemedicine;
Patients;
Questionnaires;
Exploratory factor analysis;
Validation studies;
Sample size;
Midwives;
Eigenvalues;
Professionals;
Technology;
Midwifery;
Discriminant analysis;
Medical personnel;
Social networks;
Nurses;
Competence;
Professional ethics;
Pandemics;
Confirmatory factor analysis;
Delphi method;
Cross-sectional studies;
Property;
Models;
Statistical analysis;
Flemish;
Factor analysis
1 School of Health and Social Care, AP University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Noorderplaats 2, Antwerp 2000, Belgium; Centre for Research and Innovation in Care, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
2 Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Doornstraat 331, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
3 Centre for Research and Innovation in Care, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp 2610, Belgium; Research Group Healthy Region, HZ University of Applied Sciences, Edisonweg 4, Vlissingen, NW 4382, the Netherlands
4 School of Health and Social Care, AP University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Noorderplaats 2, Antwerp 2000, Belgium; Centre for Research and Innovation in Care, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp 2610, Belgium; Edinburgh Napier University, School of Health and Social Care, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK