Towards an informatics competent nursing profession: Validation of the self-assessment of Nursing Informatics Competency Scale (SANICS) before and after online informatics training

Abstract

Nurses should be involved in healthcare initiatives that incorporate informatics as an essential tool for improving health outcomes (IOM, 2010). However, nurses frequently report lack of competency to perform the most basic computer functions, outside of those required within their work environment (Hwang, 2011). Without educational or training interventions, nurses are limited in their ability to effectively use information technology in practice (Greiner, 2003). This study explored the psychometric performance of the Self-Assessment of Nursing Informatics Competencies Scale (SANICS) when used to measure informatics competency in a population of entry-level nursing students. Data collected before and after an online informatics training intervention (SOLO-IT) confirmed the factor structure and internal consistency reliability of the SANICS. Statistically significant increases (p < 0.001) were reported by participants (n = 496) on 27 of 30 items measuring self-perceptions of informatics competencies. Significant differences (p < 0.001) in each sub-scale mean score before and after completion of SOLO-IT confirmed the construct validity of the SANICS. Results of this study support the SANICS as a psychometrically sound instrument for measuring perceived informatics competencies in entry level nursing students. Diffusion of informatics competency throughout the nursing workforce could depend upon the availability of on-demand training resources and valid instruments which support nurses as competent users of informatics in an era of ubiquitous health information technology. Findings from this study provide preliminary evidence that SOLO-IT may be an effective tool for improving perceptions of informatics competencies among entry level nursing students. Future studies are recommended using paired samples of nurses and nursing students from diverse populations, as well as studies which correlate perceived competencies with actual demonstrated skills.