The impact of digital technology use on nurses' professional identity and relations of power: a literature review

Abstract

Aim

This study seeks to review how the use of digital technologies in clinical nursing affects nurses' professional identity and the relations of power within clinical environments.

Design

Literature review.

Data Sources

PubMed and CINAHL databases were searched in April 2023.

Methods

We screened 874 studies in English and German, of which 15 were included in our final synthesis reflecting the scientific discourse from 1992 until 2023.

Results

Our review revealed relevant effects of digital technologies on nurses' professional identity and power relations. Few studies cover outcomes relating to identity, such as moral agency or nurses' autonomy. Most studies describe negative impacts of technology on professional identity, for example, creating a barrier between nurses and patients leading to decreased empathetic interaction. Regarding power relations, technologically skilled nurses can yield power over colleagues and patients, while depending on technology. The investigation of these effects is underrepresented.

Conclusion

Our review presents insights into the relation between technology and nurses' professional identity and prevalent power relations. For future studies, dedicated and critical investigations of digital technologies' impact on the formation of professional identity in nursing are required.

Implications for the Profession

Nurses' professional identity may be altered by digital technologies used in clinical care. Nurses, who are aware of the potential effects of digitized work environments, can reflect on the relationship of technology and the nursing profession.

Impact

The use of digital technology might lead to a decrease in nurses' moral agency and competence to shape patient-centred care. Digital technologies seem to become an essential measure for nurses to wield power over patients and colleagues, whilst being a control mechanism. Our work encourages nurses to actively shape digital care.

Reporting Method

We adhere to the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis where applicable. EQUATOR reporting guidelines were not applicable for this type of review.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Relación dialógica en el proceso de muerte/morir en un entorno hospitalario

Objetivo: conocer cómo se produce la relación dialógica entre los trabajadores del equipo de enfermería, los miembros de la familia y las personas en el proceso de muerte e morir en entorno de atención. Metodología: investigación cualitativa, desarrollada en un Hospital Universitario de marzo a junio de 2016, inspirada en la metodología de Leininger. Los datos se recopilaron mediante observaciones y entrevistas, con 24 familiares cuidadores y 47 trabajadores del equipo de enfermería como informantes clave, 18 trabajadores de enfermería y 15 familiares cuidadores. Resultados: se delimitaron las categorías: interrelaciones en el entorno hospitalario: mirar el proceso de muerte y morir del otro y de uno mismo y estrategias recursivas para repensar relacionadas con el proceso de muerte y morir. Conclusión: reitera la importancia de capacitar la equipe de enfermería para cuidar a los seres que experimentan el proceso de muerte y morir como una necesidad no solo organizativa, sino ética.