The application of digital technology in nursing quality management: a scoping review

BACKGROUND: Digital technology integrates information and communication tools such as electronic health records, wearable devices, and artificial intelligence, which has become an important driving force for optimizing nursing quality management. However, existing studies on the application of digital technology in nursing quality management are fragmented, with unclear conceptual boundaries and lack of systematic evidence mapping. This scoping review aims to systematically map the application landscape of digital technology in nursing quality management, summarize its effectiveness and limitations, and identify knowledge gaps. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodological framework and reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A systematic literature search was performed from the database inception to June 1, 2025, in seven electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), China Biomedical Database (CBM). Two researchers independently completed the literature search, screening, and data extraction, with disagreements resolved by a third researcher. Data synthesis was conducted through inductive thematic analysis and evidence mapping based on the Donabedian structure-process-outcome model. RESULTS: The initial literature search retrieved 992 records, and 16 studies (4 Chinese, 12 English) were included in the final analysis. Evidence mapping based on the Donabedian model identified three application dimensions: (1) Structural: EHRs and AI-assisted systems improved data standardization; (2) Process: real-time monitoring, virtual training, and digital safety controls enhanced care delivery and patient engagement; (3) Outcome: included studies described improvements in nursing efficiency, safety, and satisfaction; however, these reports derived from heterogeneous study designs and outcome measures, precluding pooled estimates of effectiveness. Evidence remains concentrated in hospital environments, with limited representation from community and long-term care settings. CONCLUSION: Digital technology demonstrates considerable potential to enhance nursing quality management across multiple domains, with generally positive feedback on feasibility and satisfaction reported in individual studies. However, the strength of inferences is limited by heterogeneous designs and outcome measures. However, evidence remains heterogeneous, and challenges related to technology integration, cost, training, and policy support persist. Future research should prioritize high-quality randomized trials, longitudinal evaluations, standardized outcome measures, and context-sensitive implementation strategies to strengthen the evidence base and guide scalable adoption in diverse care settings. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.