Cross-Sectional study on the Assessment of Nurses’ Readiness for tele-health and Digital Surgical Patient Monitoring Tools

Abstract

Background: Tele-health is a significant digital health innovation that enhances healthcare accessibility, efficiency, and patient monitoring. The role of nurses is critical in implementing tele-health and digital surgical patient monitoring tools. This study evaluates nurses' knowledge, awareness, attitudes, readiness, and digital literacy towards these technologies, while also identifying barriers and facilitators impacting tele-health readiness in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among nurses working in the general surgery ward of a 3 tertiary care hospital, having sample size of 400 using convenient sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire consisting of sections on demographic characteristics, tele-health knowledge and awareness, attitudes and readiness toward tele-health, digital literacy, and perceived barriers and facilitators. Responses were measured using Likert-scale items adapted from validated tele-health readiness and digital competency frameworks. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed to summarize the findings. Results: The results indicated that nurses demonstrated moderate to high levels of knowledge and awareness regarding tele-health technologies and expressed generally positive attitudes and readiness toward their use in clinical practice. However, digital literacy levels were moderate, and several barriers were identified, including limited training opportunities, inadequate technical infrastructure, and concerns related to internet connectivity and data security. Key facilitators included institutional support, availability of training programs, and adequate information technology infrastructure. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of strengthening digital competencies, improving institutional support, and providing structured tele-health training programs to enhance tele-health readiness among nurses. Addressing existing barriers may facilitate the successful integration of tele-health and digital monitoring systems into modern healthcare practice.