Digital Transformation Readiness Among Nursing Students: A Preliminary Pilot Qualitative Exploratory Study Using Playful-Reflective Workshops

Abstract

Rapid digital healthcare transformation adds complex new technological role expectations to nursing, in addition to extensive clinical and holistic care expertise. Nursing education must expand to accommodate substantive new technologies involved in contemporary healthcare services, but knowledge of digital preparedness and impacts on nursing identity and leadership is lacking. This study explores the potential of a playful reflective workshop to explore innovative pedagogical techniques' ability to improve nursing learners' attainment of educational goals and satisfaction, based on a pilot study among 16 nursing students. The findings indicate that participants found digital transformation to be a useful support mechanism for nursing care and education, with high scores for participation, creativity, and depth of reflection. The majority found the workshop meaningful and useful for improving their confidence in using tools/approaches, feeling more prepared, and having improved understanding, with less support for its positive role in leadership identity.