Perception and Knowledge About Telenursing and eHealth Among Nursing University Students: A Cross‐Sectional Study in the United Arab Emirates

BACKGROUND: Telenursing uses digital technologies to support remote nursing care. As telehealth expands in the UAE, nursing students need adequate knowledge and skills to use these tools effectively. OBJECTIVES: This study examined nursing students' knowledge and perceptions of telenursing and their attitudes toward eHealth and technology. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 258 undergraduate nursing students using a demographic questionnaire, the Telenursing Knowledge Scale, and the Perceptions and Attitudes Towards eHealth and Technology Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: Students exhibited positive perceptions (M = 3.65 ± 0.98) and positive attitudes (M = 3.67 ± 0.84) towards telenursing and eHealth and technology, respectively. The majority of the participants (78.3%) agreed with the incorporation of telenursing in nursing curriculum at the college level, and 77.9% were willing to utilize it as another type of health service in future professional practice. Many participants knew about the benefits of telenursing, such as increased staff effectiveness (70.2%) and improved communication between patients and staff (72.1%), which gave a mean advantage score of 3.56 ± 0.82. But there were issues about technical difficulties (59.3%), lack of patient interaction (59.3%), and society's vulnerability due to excessive dependence on technology (62.4%). Most significantly, 87.6% misunderstood telenursing with the help of the definition of telemedicine, indicating their poor conceptual knowledge. Internet usage was significantly related to positive perception and attitude (p ≤ 0.05) on all the outcome variables, but academic year and clinical courses had no effect. CONCLUSION: Nursing students generally had positive views of telenursing and eHealth, but stronger practical education in digital health is needed.