Investigating Nurses' Competencies for Development of “Internet + Nursing Service”: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: To test whether nursing informatics competency (NIC) and innovation ability predict nurses' willingness for “Internet + nursing service” in China's Greater Bay Area, and examine the role of innovation ability in this relationship. Design: Cross-sectional study. Review Methods: Recruited registered nurses via quota sampling in China's Greater Bay Area. Participants completed validated scales assessing NIC, Innovation Behaviour, and Willingness for Internet + nursing service, testing a hypothesised mediation model where innovation ability links informatics competency to willingness. Data Sources: Data were collected from 544 registered nurses between January and March 2024. Results: Nurses reported moderate levels of NIC, innovation ability, and willingness for Internet + nursing service. Higher informatics competency was associated with greater innovation ability and willingness. Furthermore, innovation ability appeared as a pathway linking informatics competency to willingness. Conclusion: Stronger NIC and innovation ability may boost nurses' readiness for Internet-enabled care in the Greater Bay Area. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care: Targeted informatics and innovation training can enhance nurses' readiness for these digital services. Impact: Addressing the need for enhanced digital nursing (‘Internet + nursing service’) for the aging population in China's Greater Bay Area, this study found moderate nurse informatics competency, innovation ability, and willingness to engage in this service. Higher competency and innovation were linked to greater willingness, with informatics competency influencing willingness directly and through innovation ability. These findings impact nursing practice, education, and policy in the region, informing strategies to improve digital service readiness. Reporting Method: This study adheres to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Patient or Public Contribution: No patients or members of the public were involved in study design, conduct, reporting, or dissemination.