Application of the Technology Acceptance Model to Predict Nursing Students’ Intention to Use Informatics: Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background Nursing informatics is essential for digital health transformation; however, the technology acceptance of undergraduate nursing students in Saudi Arabia remains underexplored. Objective This study examined factors influencing nursing students’ intention to use informatics technologies using the technology acceptance model. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 132 undergraduate nursing students. Data were analyzed using descriptive, correlational, and hierarchical regression analyses. Results Perceived usefulness (mean 3.68, SD 1.22) and perceived ease of use (mean 3.64, SD 1.32) were the strongest predictors of acceptance, together explaining 87% of the variance ( R ²=0.87; β =0.323 for usefulness, P <.001; β =0.195 for ease of use, P =.032). Only 25.8% (n=34) of the students often used electronic health records, while 31.8% (n=42) had no electronic health record experience, indicating a clear gap in practical informatics exposure. Conclusions Nursing students’ acceptance of informatics is primarily driven by its perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. These findings highlight the urgent need to integrate practical, user-centered informatics training and clinical simulation into undergraduate nursing curricula to better prepare students for technology-based practice.