Authors (including presenting author) :
Leung WSS(1)(2), Wong SY(1), Chan WMM(3), Chen Y(4), Bailey KD(5)
Affiliation :
(1)Central Nursing Division, Yan Chai Hospital, (2)HKU JC Nursing Leadership Development Fellowship Programme, (3)Central Nursing Division, Kowloon West Cluster, (4)Case Western Reserve University, (5)UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center
Keyword 2: :
electronic documentation
Keyword 3: :
smart nursing
Keyword 4: :
nurse perception
Introduction :
Nursing professionals in Hong Kong rely on patient documentation, traditionally on paper. Digitalization is transforming practice, yet nurses may resist electronic documentation (e-Doc) because it disrupts established routines. Beyond core care duties, nurses manage substantial data daily. e-Doc can capture comprehensive information, improve safety and quality, streamline workflows, free time for direct care, and enhance outcomes and experiences—but some nurses struggle to see these benefits. Evidence on efficiency gains is mixed, and e-Doc may increase workload. Functionality varies by facility and specialty, with gaps due to financial or technical limits and frequent updates. Practical constraints (such as limited space or battery issues) can force shifts from mobile to fixed workstations. The Hospital Authority launched an e-Doc system in 2023, facing hardware and software challenges. Nurse feedback prioritized workflow streamlining and system interoperability without added burden. While health IT can improve quality and reduce costs, adoption depends on nurses’ readiness. The Technology Acceptance Model highlights perceived usefulness and ease of use as key drivers. There remains a gap examining these factors specifically in Hong Kong.
Objectives :
To examine nurses’ perceptions of the Electronic Documentation (e-Doc) system in Hong Kong acute hospitals, and to identify key factors influencing adoption and recommendation using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Diffusion of Innovation (DOI).
Methodology :
A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted across four hospitals in the Kowloon West Cluster. A validated questionnaire captured demographic data and TAM/DOI constructs. Fifty-two nurses responded (response rate 57.8%). Data were analysed with descriptive statistics, correlations, and stepwise regression. Instrument reliability was high (Cronbach’s α = 0.93).
Result & Outcome :
Results: Respondents were mostly female (82%) with postgraduate education (61%) and ≥ 20 years of experience (51%). Strong correlations emerged between perceived usefulness and likelihood to recommend e-Doc (r>0.70). Regression analysis identified two significant predictors: viewing advantages as outweighing disadvantages (p>0.001) and observing visible use by colleagues (p=0.0003). Together, these variables explained 82% of variance in nurses’ readiness to endorse e-Doc. Conclusions: Adoption of e-Doc systems is strongly influenced by perceived benefits and visible use by peers. Findings support the utility of TAM and DOI in predicting health IT acceptance. To optimize uptake, strategies should emphasise observable benefits, promote role-modelling, and integrate user feedback in design. Training and communication highlighting practical advantages may improve acceptance and strengthen e-Doc integration in Hong Kong hospitals.
