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RCN wants your views in e-nurse consultation

Nurses asked to describe how they use technology in their practice, and how ditigal skills could be used in nursing in the future

Nurses are being asked to share their views on what prevents them from developing digital skills in their role.


Nurses will be asked how technology is being used to improve outcomes for patients. Picture: iStock

The RCN has begun a consultation to encourage members and non-members to discuss the future of digital nursing, as well as how they use technology in their practice now, and contribute their thoughts and ideas.

Interactive workshop

Participants will take part in an online interactive workshop and answer questions including:

  • Is nursing keeping pace with the potential of technology?
  • Is technology being used to improve outcomes for patients and service users?
  • What are the challenges that prevent the development of a digitally literate workforce?
  • What are some examples of technology being used to improve outcomes for patients and service users?

The consultation follows a motion passed at RCN congress in 2016 supporting a plan to make every nurse in the UK an ‘e-nurse’ – meaning they are able to use modern technology and data to benefit patients and themselves.

CPD requirements

The consultation, which runs until 15 February, is being run in partnership with NHS Digital and promoted via email, social media and online using the hashtag #RCNdigitalready.

It is anonymous and nurses can take part as many times as they wish.

In addition, five face-to-face workshops will take place this month, in Edinburgh, Cardiff, London, Leeds and Belfast. Attending one of these will count towards registrants’ continuing professional development for revalidation.

Gaps in digital literacy

RCN knowledge and resources manager Ross Scrivener said: ‘We hope this exercise will identify any gaps in the digital literacy of the nursing workforce, and provide the RCN with the evidence to lobby for improved education, training and development for staff.

‘The effective use of digital technologiesis key to providing health and social care now and in the future.’

NHS Digital chief nurse Anne Cooper urged nurses to ‘sign up and get involved in the online consultation’.

‘Nurses are often the people leading the way in introducing innovative ways of working that improve patient care,’ she said. ‘This is your chance to have your say.’


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