Perceived influence of hospital information technology systems on soft skills in nursing: A qualitative study in Ghana

Background The battle between technological advancement and soft skills is increasingly prominent, and if precautions are not implemented, future nurses may find themselves nursing machines rather than patients. In advanced healthcare systems, nurses prioritise interpreting monitor readings above engaging in empathetic communication and therapeutic touch with their patients. This study examined nurses' perceptions of the influence of technology on soft skills. Methods This exploratory descriptive qualitative study sampled 27 professional nurses and midwives using a semi-structured interview guide. Data was collected from three regions of Ghana, and the data was analysed using inductive dominant thematic analysis. Findings Three main themes emerged after the analysis: perceived link and interaction, undesirable prospects and outcomes, and positive outcomes and effects of hospital information technology systems on soft skills in nursing. While some nurses talked about technological advances in soft skills and noted its interaction as complementary and synergistic. Others considered its impact and, as such, noted its impact as negative, where it appears to reduce therapeutic touch and promote poor nurse-patient interactions. The finding also highlighted the positive impact of technology, such as quickening healthcare provisions, improving medical data management, and enhancing job performances. Conclusion Technology presents challenges and solutions in healthcare and appears to be eroding soft skills in some hospitals with hospital information technology systems. However, with training and balance integrations, its negative impacts can be mitigated. The challenges identified necessitate revision of professional training curricula to adequately prepare future nurses with essential communication skills and therapeutic touch within intricate healthcare systems. This will ease the struggle some nurses go through to navigate the HITS in healthcare facilities.