Digital competences of nursing staff for patient care information transmission: a semiological work analysis

Abstract The lack of nursing digital competences for patient care information transmission can negatively affect the continuity of care. Identifying digital competences grounded in real-work practice is essential for developing effective professional nursing profiles. This study adopts a situated approach to competence, employing a semiological work analysis based on the course-of-action theoretical framework. The aim was to identify digital competences in real nursing situations related to the transmission of patient care information. Twenty-four nurses were observed and recorded during full shifts (approximately 24 h each) across six hospital wards, capturing authentic practices. The study identified 27 situated digital competences associated with patient care information transmission. These competences are grouped into four main categories of activity and are aligned with core digital competency domains defined in an international digital competence framework for nursing. The findings help bridge the gap between local practices and global standards and provide valuable insights for developing nursing curricula and training programs.