P.A.T.C.H. Assessment Scale v. 3
Pretest for Attitudes Toward Computers in Healthcare
© June Kaminski 1996 - 2016I created the first version of the P.A.T.C.H. (Pretest for Attitudes Toward Computers in Healthcare) in 1996 to help my students explore their feelings about learning to use computers both in education and healthcare. Further revisions occurred in 2007, which culminated in the second version. The third version debuted in 2011 to include statements related to social media, ehealth, electronic health records, and mobile technology. It also streamlined the scoring process. This scale focuses on attitudes and feelings about using computers in the practice setting. You may download a pdf copy to print and complete by hand in the Competencies Plan section below.
Or, you can click on the right image to securely complete and score the assessment scale online. You will need to create an account in the course area to access the online scale. If you are from an educational institution, please ensure that the site is approved by your server so you receive your confirmation email when you sign up. Also remember to notice your final score to compare it to the scale interpretations (download at bottom of page this is part of the pdf version of the Scale and the Personal Plan).
Application
Over the years, the P.A.T.C.H. Scale has been used quite consistently by various educators from around the globe (i.e. USA, Canada. Philippines, Jamaica, China, and Turkey) to test their Nursing student's attitudes towards computers in health care. Nurse administrators and clinicians have used it with various groups of nurses working in hospitals, community health centers, schools, and home health. It has also been used in several graduate students' thesis and dissertation work and by other nurse researchers. Some published highlights are listed below. If you would like to use the P.A.T.C.H. Scale in your research, writing, or curriculum materials, please contact me for written permission, and cite the Scale appropriately in your work.
Various International Work that Includes the P.A.T.C.H. Scale
Nursing students' attitudes towards computers in health care: a comparative analysis
CITATION: Vijayalakshmi , P., Ramachandra, S. & Math, S. (2014). Nursing students' attitudes towards computers in health care: a comparative analysis. Journal of Health Informatics. 6 (2): 46-52
ABSTRACT
The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of basic computer course related to Nursing Students' attitudes towards usage of computers in health care. Cross sectional descriptive design was adopted among purposively selected undergraduates (n=161) to complete self reported questionnaires. Students that completed computer course were found to have positive attitudes as they agreed that "computers are great solving tools" (+2 = 9.663, p < .047), and "computers are natural to use in health care" (+2 = 11.623, p < .020) than the participants who have not undergone formal instruction in computer course. Contrary to these findings the participants who did not undergo computer training felt that "Computers are frustrating to use" (+2 =9.930, p < .042) and they "become restless when they think of using computer" (+2 = 15.149, p < .004). The findings suggest that integration of informatics throughout curriculum with increasing levels of difficulty is needed.
Nursing and Midwifery Students' Attitudes to Computer Use in Healthcare
CITATION: Atay, S., Arikan, D., Yilmaz, F., Aslanturk, N. & Uzun, A. (2014). Nursing and midwifery students' attitudes to computer use in healthcare. Nursing Practice Today, Quarterly, 1 (3): 147-154.
ABSTRACT
Background & Aim: Nurses are exposed to the changing demands in technology as they execute their patient-related duties in the workplace. Integration of information technology (IT) in healthcare systems improves the quality of care provided. Nursing and midwifery students with prior exposure to computers tend to have a positive influence of IT. This study was carried out to determine the atti- tudes of the students of nursing and midwifery at School of Health to the use of computers in healthcare.
Methods & Materials: The sample was composed of 247 nursing and midwifery students select- ed by using non-probability sampling method. Survey method and pretest for attitudes toward computers in healthcare scale were used in data collection. Chi-square significance test was con- ducted in data analysis.
Results: About 94.3% of the students were female, 48.6% were graduates of regular high school, 58.7% were students of nursing and 32.8% were 2nd year students. Moreover, 62.6% of the stu- dents had a computer, 80.2% took a computer course, 47.0% used the computer for 1-3 h/day, 96% considered computer use necessary for their profession and 96.8% found it necessary for their profession to possess a computer. It was found that 45.3% of the students were enthusiastic view of the potential of computer use in healthcare.
Conclusion: There was no significant difference between the nursing students and the midwifery students in terms of attitudes to use of computers in healthcare, whereas a significant relationship was found between computer use in healthcare and the daily duration of daily computer use and whether the students possess a computer. This result is significant in terms of planning, applying, and integrating hospital information systems.
The relationship between in-service training nurses' attitudes toward computers in health care and computer anxiety in Turkey
CITATION: Kaya, H., Isik, B., & Bodur, G. (2014). The relationship between in-service training nurses' attitudes toward computers in health care and computer anxiety in Turkey. International Journal of Human Sciences, 11(2), 948-963. doi:10.14687/ijhs.v11i2.2712
ABSTRACT
Nurses' perceptions relating to using technology and computer can directly affect how they structure in-service and continuous education programmes. This research was planned as a descriptive-correlational design to determine the relationship between in-service training nurses' attitudes toward computer in health care and computer anxiety. Research was realized with 116 in-service training nurses who work at Education Department of Istanbul Local Health Authority and primary, secondary and tertiary health institution subordinate Istanbul Local Health Authority. Data were collected after getting permission from Istanbul Local Health Authority considering voluntariness with "Personal Information Form", "Attitudes Toward Computer in Health Care Assessment Scale (P.A.T.C.H. Assessment Scale)" and "Computer Anxiety Scale (CAS)". Research data were analyzed with SPSS package program. Mean of the P.A.T.C.H. Assessment Scale was found as 20.07+- 11.91, mean of the CAS was found as 39.31+ - 9.52. There is a moderate negatively significant correlation between the attitude of the in-service training nurses toward computer in health care and their computer anxiety (r: -0.502 p<0.01). The results of research are limited to in-service training nurses who work in Istanbul and are not generalized to all in-service training nurses. The research findings suggest that in-service training nurses have positive attitude toward computer in health care and low computer anxiety. These findings will enable in-service training nurses to consider the importance of using technology and computer. Understanding these concepts is beneficial in efforts to improve the educational activities offered to nurses, other medical staff and patients.
Nurses' computer literacy and attitudes towards the use of computers in health care
CITATION: Gurdas Topkaya, S., & Kaya, N. (2014). Nurses' computer literacy and attitudes towards the use of computers in health care. International Journal Of Nursing Practice, doi:10.1111/ijn.12350
ABSTRACT
This descriptive and cross-sectional study was designed to address nurses' computer literacy and attitudes towards the use of computers in health care and to determine the correlation between these two variables. This study was conducted with the participation of 688 nurses who worked at two university-affiliated hospitals. These nurses were chosen using a stratified random sampling method. The data were collected using the Multicomponent Assessment of Computer Literacy and the Pretest for Attitudes Towards Computers in Healthcare Assessment Scale v. 2. The nurses, in general, had positive attitudes towards computers, and their computer literacy was good. Computer literacy in general had significant positive correlations with individual elements of computer competency and with attitudes towards computers. If the computer is to be an effective and beneficial part of the health-care system, it is necessary to help nurses improve their computer competency. This article was originally written as a master's thesis for the Fundamentals of Nursing programme at Istanbul University Institute of Health Sciences.
Response and Attitudes of Undergraduate Nursing students Towards Computers in Health Care
CITATION: Vijayalakshmi, P. & Math, S. (2013). Response and Attitudes of Undergraduate Nursing students Towards Computers in Health Care. Canadian Journal of Nursing Informatics (CJNI), 8(3&4).
ABSTRACT
Background: Computer knowledge and skills are becoming essential components of technology in nursing education and practice. To date, research that examined the attitudes of nursing students who are enrolled in baccalaureate programs towards technology in healthcare is limited.
Aim: The present study was focused on the attitudes of Baccalaureate Nursing Students towards computers in health care.
Methodology: A descriptive study design using a quantitative approach and structured questionnaire was used to measure the nursing students’ attitudes towards computer usage. A sample of 161 BSN students participated in this study.
Results: Our findings revealed that more than three fourth of the participants (n=124, 77.0%) had realistic views of current computer capabilities and applications in health care as indicated in their responses to the questionnaire. Further, the mean score of the participants was 60.71 + - 7.22 (M+- SD) which indicates the participants felt comfortable in using user-friendly computer applications.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that under graduate nursing students generally held positive attitudes towards the use of computers in health care. However, students received limited computer exposure as part of their curriculum and may not be adequately prepared to work independently with computers in the workplace once they graduate. Thus, the researchers suggested integrating nursing informatics with in a leveled way throughout nursing curriculum.
Key words:
Attitudes, Computers, Health care, Nursing students, P.A.T.C.H. Assessment Scale
A Comparative Study to Assess an Attitude towards Computer Application in Nursing Practice among the Staff Nurses
CITATION: Ramanadin, P. V., Muthamilselvi, G., & Kaur, M. (2013). A Comparative Study to Assess an Attitude towards Computer Application in Nursing Practice among the Staff Nurses. Asian Journal Of Nursing Education & Research, 3(2), 82-86.
ABSTRACT
Nursing is professional caring. Though we are in technology world many of the Hospital follows the most of the traditional method of nursing care which has got lot of paper work than the client care. This trend has to be changed. Hence this study is focusing on assessment and comparison of Nurses attitude towards computer application in nursing practice by a standardized tool P.A.T.C.H (Pretest for Attitudes Toward Computers in Healthcare). Quantitative approach with descriptive research design was used for the study. Staff Nurses working in Private Hospital and Government Hospital were selected by using convenient sampling technique. Total sample size is forty. Prochaska Diclemente's Stage of Change Model theory was applied for the present study. Both descriptive and inferential technique was used for the study. Study findings shows, according to P.A.T.C.H. Scale Private Staff Nurses had 5% of the limited awareness, 40% of them had realistic view, 50% of them had enthusiastic view and 5% of them had idealistic view about computer application in nursing practice. Government Staff Nurses had 35% realistic view, 55% of them had enthusiastic view and 10% of them had idealistic view. Among the Private staff Nurses 59% of them had positive attitude, 20% of them had negative attitude and 21% of them were expressed that no opinion. Among the Government Staff Nurses 59.5% of them had positive attitude, 15% of them were had negative attitude and 25.5% of them were expressed as no opinion. Chi square test was used to find out the association between attitude and selected demographic variables at 0.05 level of significance. It shows that there is no association between attitude and age, sex, education, Year of experience, Income, Type of family, religion, marital status and Place of residence. There is association between attitude and Source of information. Overall finding of the study shows that there is no much difference between private and government staff nurses towards computer application in nursing practice. They must be educated regarding current trends and recent advancement by using information technology.
Keywords
P.A.T.C.H (Pretest for Attitudes Toward Computers in Healthcare), Nursing Informatics, Prochaska Diclemente's Stage of Change Model, Enthusiastic view, Idealistic view
Attitude Towards Computer Application in Nursing Practice by PATCH Scale
CITATION: Ramanadin, P. V. & Kaur, M. (2013). Attitude Towards Computer Application in Nursing Practice by PATCH Scale. International Journal of Nursing Care, 1 (1), 97-100. DOI : 10.5958/j.2320-8651.1.1.021
ABSTRACT
Nursing is the noblest of all profession. Nurses should be efficient in providing health care which requires skill in all aspects including computer application in nursing practice. With an aim of this the investigators undertook the study to assess the attitude of the Staff Nurses towards computer application in nursing practice by a standardized scale called P.A.T.C.H. Scale (Pretest for Attitudes Towards Computers in Healthcare). Thirty Staff Nurses working in the Private Hospital, Pondicherry were selected by Non- Probability, Convenient sampling Technique. P.A.T.C.H. Scale was administered to assess their attitude. Differential & inferential Statistics were used to assess their attitude. Study findings shows that 5% of Staff Nurses had limited awareness, 40% of them had realistic view, 55% of them had Enthusiastic view and 5% of them had idealistic view and also 59% of them shown positive attitude, 20% of them had negative attitude and 21% of them had no opinion on computer application in nursing practice. This study shows that though we are in technology world many of the staff nurses have less awareness towards computer application in nursing practice and it can be changed by conducting Inservice education programme.
Keywords
PATCH, Scale (Pretest for Attitudes Towards Computers in Healthcare), Realistic view, Enthusiastic view, Idealistic View.
Competency level and attitude toward computers of nurses in La Union Philippines
CITATION: Cisnero, M. (2012). Competency level and attitude toward computers of nurses in La Union Philippines. International Journal of Evidence-Based Healthcare, 10 (3), 246.
ABSTRACT
Computer use in the Philippines has been rapidly growing but the use and integration in the field of nursing is not yet fully developed and required. The principal stage in using computer technology in nursing is the assessment of computer competency level and attitude.A questionnaire was distributed among 172 nurses to determine their competency level in basic computer operations; multimedia and files management; and internet and social networking and communications using a validated and reliable tool that was developed; while Pretest on Attitude toward Computers in Health Care (PATCH) was utilized to determine their attitudes. ANOVA and Pearson r was used to determine the relationship and differences among groups and an enhancement program was also formulated based on the findings. Results show that the respondents are highly competent in all domains of computer competencies but just a comfortable level of attitude. Age, educational attainment, rank, internet access and years using computers.
Factors Affecting Nurses' Attitudes Toward Computers in Healthcare.
CITATION: Kaya, N. (2011). Factors affecting nurses' attitudes toward computers in healthcare. CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing, 29 (2), 121-129. doi:10.1097/NCN.0b013e3181f9dd0f
ABSTRACT
The purpose of the study was to determine factors affecting nurses' attitudes toward computers in healthcare. This cross-sectional study was carried out with nurses employed at one state and one university hospital. The sample of the study included 890 nurses who were selected via a purposive sampling method. Data were collected by using a questionnaire for demographic information and Pretest for Attitudes Toward Computers in Healthcare Assessment Scale v.2. The nurses, in general, had positive attitudes toward computers. Findings of the present study showed a significant difference in attitudes for different categories of age (P < .001), marital status (P < .05), education (P < .001), type of facility (P < .01), job HD (P < .001), computer science education (P < .01), computer experience (P < .001), duration of computer use (P < .001), and place of use of computer (P < .001). The results of the present study could be used during planning and implementation of computer training programs for nurses in Turkey and could be utilized in improving the participation of Turkish nurses in initiatives to develop hospital information systems and, above all, in developing computerized patient care planning.
Nursing Informatics Competencies for Practicing Nurses: A Self Assessment Initiative
CITATION: Kaminski, J. (2007). Nursing Informatics Competencies for Practicing Nurses: A Self-Assessment Initiative. October 1st, 2007. CNIA 2007 Conference Concurrent Session, Toronto, Ontario.
ABSTRACT
Nursing Informatics, a term coined to describe the integration of nursing science with information and computer science, has developed into a mandatory focus for all registered nurses on a global scale. For the past four decades, literature, research and a growing body of practice have addressed the theoretical and practical aspects of informatics in nursing. A web-site was created to offer registered nurses a web-based, free, professional development initiative to support them to self-assess their nursing informatics competencies and learning needs. Various competency taxonomies have been reviewed and integrated in the process. Tutorials and other planning initiatives were also created to help nurses begin the process of self-directed education in informatics. The intention of this work is to give nurses a preliminary analysis of their current expertise and learning needs in the realm of informatics in nursing. This site is available at: http://www.nursing-informatics.com/niassess/index.html
A comprehensive list of technological, utility, and leadership competencies were defined and described for each of the three levels of User. Accompanying self-tests were provided to allow nurses to assess their own level of expertise in the list of competencies addressed. As well, tutorials were provided or linked to help nurses begin to address their own particular learning needs to develop the competencies that they wished to develop. Personal learning plan worksheets were also provided to assist nurses in articulating their own learning goals and plan to address their perceived needs.
Validity and Reliability of Turkish version of the Pretest for Attitudes towards Computers in Healthcare Assessment Scale
CITATION: Kaya, N. Turkinaz, A. (February 2008). Validity and Reliability of Turkish version of the Pretest for Attitudes towards Computers in Healthcare Assessment Scale. Journal of Istanbul University Florence Nightingale School of Nursing, 16(61), 24 - 32.
ABSTRACT
Objective: The purpose of this methodological study was to assess the validity and reliability of Turkish version of the Pretest for Attitudes toward Computers in Healthcare Assessment Scale.
Method: The adaptation of the scale to Turkish language was performed via back-translation, content validity was examined by refer to experts, reliability was examined with test-retest reliability and internal consistency, validity was examined with criterion-related validity (concurrent validity). The universe of the study consisted of nurses who accept to participation of study at one state hospital and one university hospital. Test-retest reliability was examined with 60 nurses; internal consistency and concurrent validity were examined with 200 nurses.
Findings: The test-retest reliability of items of Pretest for Attitudes toward Computers in Healthcare Assessment Scale was 0.20-0.77, for the total scale was 0.85. For internal consistency, Scale's item total correlation was 0.06-0.68 and Cronbach's Alpha was 0.92. Concurrent validity was examined with correlation between Attitudes toward Computers Scale and Pretest for Attitudes Toward Computers in Healthcare Assessment Scale scores and there was positively significant correlated (r=0.66, p<0.01).
Conclusions: The findings concern in the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Pretest for Attitudes toward Computers in Healthcare Assessment Scale indicates that this instrument can be used in the studies that will be conducted in Turkey.
Competencies Plan
As a nurse interested in Nursing Informatics skills, you have an unique set of related strengths, knowledge and learning needs. An initial learning plan is offered here to help you to begin to plan your personal development in computer literacy, information literacy and informatics theory and practice. Once you have identified your preliminary learning needs, you can plan strategies for equipping yourself with the theory and hands-on skills you need to be proficient in the various aspects of informatics.
This plan is available in PDF so you can download a copy, print and write in your responses right into it. Be sure to save a copy for your personal records! Also remember to notice your final score to compare it to the scale interpretations (download at bottom of page this is part of the pdf version of the Scale and the Personal Plan).
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P.A.T.C.H. Scale Here!
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br>Posted by Nursing Informatics Learning Center on Monday, May 18, 2015