Development of the Canadian Nurse Informatics Competency Assessment Scale and Evaluation of Alberta's Registered Nurses' Self-perceived Informatics Competencies

In today's digitally enabled healthcare environment, it is vitally important to assess Canadian nurses' competency in informatics. The researchers developed the Canadian Nurse Informatics Competency Assessment Scale, a 21-item comprehensive measure based on entry-to-practice informatics competencies for registered nurses, to facilitate assessment of informatics competencies and consequent, planning of formal and continuing education in informatics. The Canadian Nurse Informatics Competency Assessment Scale was used in a cross-sectional survey to determine self-perceived informatics competencies for Alberta's practicing nurses. Results from 2844 completed surveys showed that these nurses perceived their overall informatics competency as slightly above the mark of competent. Perceptions of competency were highest on foundational information and communication technology skills, slightly lower on competencies related to professional regulatory accountability and the use of information and communication technologies in the delivery of patient care, and lowest on information and knowledge management competencies. This study shed some light on priority areas for informatics education among practicing nurses in Alberta. Implications for nursing practice and research are discussed. Dr Kleib received an establishment grant from the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta in support of her research program. The authors have disclosed that they have no significant relationships with, or financial interest in, any commercial companies pertaining to this article. Corresponding author: Manal Kleib, PhD, RN, Faculty of Nursing, 5-112 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Ave, Edmonton, Canada T6G 1C9 (manal.kleib@ualberta.ca). Copyright © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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