JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

As a n novel medical model, Internet plus continuous nursing has received much attention under the dual background of aging and digitalization in China. However, there is a scarcity of studies that report on potential barriers and challenges associated with the implementation of this practice.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate and understand nurses' experience regarding barriers of providing Internet Plus continuous nursing in China.

Methods:

A sequential mixed-methods design was adopted. In first phase, a self-made questionnaire was used to quantify the difficulties in three domains: management, relational, and informational continuity. In second phase, nurses who participated in Internet plus continuous nursing program were invited to have a semi-structured interviews to further explore, explain, and understand the complexities behind these data, obtaining more detailed information on participants' experiences, perspectives, and meanings.

Results:

A total 4662 participants from 312 hospitals were selected into the final analysis, the adjusted mean score of the survey was 3.49±0.83. Among the three domains, managemental continuity had the lowest score (3.32±0.97), followed by relational continuity (3.44±0.9) and information continuity (3.62±0.92). In qualitive study, eight subthemes emerged and grouped into three themes (organizational and structural change; clinical and practice changes; and, future directions).

Conclusions:

This mixed-method study revealed that Chinese nurses may have differential challenges when providing Internet Plus continuous nursing, particularly in the managemental continuity. To better benefit patients and improve healthcare delivery, healthcare organizations and policymakers should take strategies to improve inter-disciplinary relationships, establish and perfect organizational management, and enhance communication.