Cross-disciplinary training of nursing informatics and nursing engineering at the postgraduate level: A feasibility analysis based on the qualitative method

Abstract

Background: The trend of interdisciplinary education is becoming increasingly prominent. Nursing informatics and nursing engineering have received much attention and development at different levels of nursing education in many Western countries. Meanwhile, in China, the cultivation of interdisciplinary nursing talents has either not been initiated or has only entered an initial stage.

Objectives: This study aims to explore experts' opinions from nursing, informatics and engineering on the feasibility of interdisciplinary education at graduate master's level in nursing through interview.

Design: This was a descriptive qualitative study.

Setting: Interviews were conducted online or face to face.

Participants: Experts in the fields of nursing, informatics, and engineering who met the study qualifications were enrolled.

Methods: This study used a purposive sampling method and collected data via semi-structured interviews. A total of 14 experts were involved based on data saturation, which eight were interviewed face-to-face and six were interviewed online. A content analysis method was used to summarize and analyze the attitudes, opinions, and suggestions of experts.

Results: A total of 579 min of interviews with 66,387 words were transcribed and analyzed after 30-50 min time range of each interview, and 4 themes were established. A consensus was obtained on the necessity and importance of interdisciplinary education. Policy guidance, financial support, and mutual recognition were the prerequisites for the cultivation. Moreover, feasibility of interdisciplinary education depends on multi-cooperation, including society, university, and hospital. Finally, a linkage mechanism among relevant stakeholders was required.

Conclusion: The necessity and feasibility of such integrated training was concluded. Learning from the experience of relevant countries, China should launch an interdisciplinary training model suitable for its national condition.

Keywords: Engineering; Informatics; Interdisciplinary; Nursing; Postgraduates; Qualitative interview.