Neonatal Nurses Must Enhance Digital Health Skills Amid Rapid Tech Advancements
New York, Sunday, 28 September 2025.
A recent study highlights significant gaps in digital competencies among neonatal nurses, emphasizing the need for targeted training to improve patient care in technology-driven healthcare settings.
The State of Digital Competencies in Neonatal Nursing
A cross-sectional analysis conducted by Ramadan and colleagues reveals considerable gaps in the digital health competencies of neonatal nurses. The study, published on 26 September 2025, underscores the urgent need for nurses to develop e-health literacy to keep pace with the technological evolution in healthcare environments. Neonatal nurses are frequently expected to engage with advanced electronic health records (EHRs), telehealth consultations, and health applications for patient monitoring, yet many lack the necessary skills to do so effectively [1].
Barriers to Enhancing E-Health Literacy
The study identifies several barriers that hinder the improvement of e-health literacy among neonatal nurses, including insufficient training resources, lack of institutional support, and time constraints. These obstacles prevent nurses from fully utilizing digital tools that are increasingly integral to patient care. The findings suggest that overcoming these barriers is essential for enhancing the quality of care in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) [1].
Importance of Targeted Training Programs
In response to the identified gaps, the authors advocate for the integration of digital health competencies into nursing education and ongoing professional development. Targeted training programs are proposed as a solution to equip nurses with the skills necessary to navigate digital healthcare environments effectively. These programs would ensure that neonatal nurses can collaborate seamlessly with other healthcare professionals, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes [1].
The Role of Technology in Future Nursing Practice
As the healthcare industry continues to embrace digital transformation, the role of neonatal nurses is expected to expand. The ability to effectively utilize digital resources will become a hallmark of competent nursing practice. The integration of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and big data into healthcare presents both challenges and opportunities for nurses. The study calls for a proactive approach in adapting nursing curricula to prepare nurses for these technological advancements [1].