Connecting congregations: technology resources influence parish nurse practice.

Full Abstract

This descriptive pilot study evaluated the influence of health resource information education and the use of Web-based communication technology on the professional practice of the parish nurse in the congregational setting. Five parish nurse participants from varied denominations in rural and nonrural Virginia received a laptop computer, printer, video projector, and webcam along with high-speed Internet access in each congregational setting. The nurses attended two group education sessions that incorporated computer applications and training in accessing and using quality health information resources and communication applications such as a group "chat" software and webcam to communicate with others through high-speed Internet access. Qualitative analysis from semistructured interviews of nurses confirmed that participants found the project to be beneficial in terms of awareness, education, and applicability of technology use in parish nurse practice. Quantitative data from preproject and postproject surveys found significant differences in nurses' abilities and confidence with technology use and application. Findings showed that the knowledge and experience gained from this study enhanced parish nurse practice and confidence in using technology for communication, health education, and counseling.

Author information

Author/s: Zerull, Lisa M (LM); Near, Kelly K (KK); Ragon, Bart (B); Farrell, Sarah P (SP);

Affiliation: Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA. dzerull(-atsign-)msn.com

Grants: N01-LM-1-3522 (Agency:NLM NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

Journal: Computers, informatics, nursing : CIN (Comput Inform Nurs), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: -2009 May-Jun; vol 27 (issue 3) : pp 143-50

Dates: Created 2009/05/04; Completed 2009/07/23;

PMID: 19411943, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 8/20/2009, IMS Date: )

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