Determinants of Nursing Campuses’ Readiness to Use a Computerised Training Tool

The Integrated Management of Childhood Illness Computerised Adaptation and Training Tool (ICATT) is an emergent training tool for improving the efficiency of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) case management training in an in-service or pre-service context. This article reports on a study that explored nursing campuses’ readiness to use ICATT. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive design was employed at 10 nursing campuses in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. Campus principals, nurse educators and learners were purposively sampled. The inclusion criteria were: for the campus principals – their willingness to participate; for the nurse educators – having received and facilitated IMCI case management training; and for the learners – being either second or third year trainees in the R425 training programme. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data from the seven campus principals, while eight focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with the nurse educators and learners. The interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was conducted manually, and trustworthiness was ensured. The determinants identified were: a positive attitude; enablers for ICATT implementation; and barriers to ICATT implementation. However, the barriers could have an impact on the adoption of an electronic tool for IMCI case management training. Recommendations include developing the infrastructure at nursing campuses; offering nurse educators training on the implementation of ICATT for teaching; and developing the learners’ computer skills. Nurse educators may use ICATT effectively in teaching IMCI case management, while also stimulating independent learning and creativity for the learners involved.