Nurses' perception on technology advancement in intensive care

BACKGROUND: Fast changing technology applications in intensive care units (ICUs) are believed to enhance the result of nursing care. We expect the nurses to work with constantly updated technology and presume that they are receptive to any revised version of medical devices. The nurse's perception on technology is infrequently discussed in hospitals or among medical device manufacturers. AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the nurses' perception about the advancement of technology in ICUs. SETTINGS: The study was conducted among the nurses working in different ICUs in a selected tertiary care hospital in Bengaluru, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An exploratory study was done using a hybrid method of qualitative and quantitative techniques. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nurses having >= 5 years of experience in ICUs, and thematic analysis was applied. Quantitative data were collected from the population of nurses with 1 year or more experience using survey questionnaire. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: ANOVA test and sample t-test were conducted on the applicable parameter. RESULTS: Most of the nurses found that high-tech equipment in ICUs is easy to operate, reduce their effort, prevent errors, and increase the comfort of the patient. The study found that nurses' perception about the advancement of technology does not vary according to age, experience, qualification, and whether they have attended any continued nursing education on technology applications. Statistically significant relationship was found between total perception and the nature of ICU in which the nurses work. CONCLUSIONS: The study found that nurses perceive advanced technology in ICU as beneficial. Nurses expressed their satisfaction about the advancement of technology, and they perceive it as a good learning opportunity for them. The participants expressed their need for more training when equipment with advanced technology or a revised version is brought in.