Evaluation of nursing students’ knowledge, understanding and readiness to practice e-health

A questionnaire focusing on the attitudes and perceptions of nursing students towards e-health was distributed to second year undergraduate nursing students at the University of Queensland. Of the 60 surveys distributed, 56 surveys were completed and returned (93% response rate). Forty-three respondents (77%) were not familiar with the term e-health. Forty-six (82%) rated their knowledge of e-health technologies as minimal. Twenty-two (39%) responded that the main barrier for them to improve their knowledge and skills in e-health was the lack of systematic education and training. Despite the fact that the majority of respondents reported computer and Internet use on a daily basis, their awareness and knowledge with regards to e-health was very limited. If e-health is to become a mainstream activity in the health sector, it is important that students are provided with formal e-health education to develop new skills and experience in this specialist field.