The utility and impact of information communication technology (ICT) for pre-registration nurse education: A narrative synthesis systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate and summarise the utility and impact of information communication technology (ICT) in enhancing student performance and the learning environment in pre-registration nursing.


METHODS
A systematic review of empirical research across a range of themes in ICT health-related education.


METHODS
Science Direct, Cinahl, AMED, MEDLINE, PubMed, ASSIA, OVID and OVID SP (2008-2014). Further date parameters were imposed by theme.


METHODS
Evidence was reviewed by narrative synthesis, adopting Caldwell's appraisal framework and CASP for qualitative methods. Selection and inclusion was grounded in the PICOS structure, with language requirements (English), and further parameters were guided by theme appropriateness.


RESULTS
Fifty studies were selected for review across six domains: reusable learning objects, media, audience response systems, e-portfolios, computer-based assessment and faculty adoption of e-learning. Educational ICT was found to be non-inferior to traditional teaching, while offering benefits to teaching and learning efficiency. Where support is in place, ICT improves the learning environment for staff and students, but human and environmental barriers need to be addressed.


CONCLUSIONS
This review illuminates more advantages for ICT in nurse training than previously. The key advantage of flexibility is supported, though with little evidence for effect on depth of learning.
Dept of Nursing, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6GX, UK. Electronic address: L.webb@mmu.ac.uk.
Lucy
L
Webb
Dept of Nursing, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6GX, UK. Electronic address: j.clough@mmu.ac.uk.
Jonathan
J
Clough
Dept of Nursing, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6GX, UK. Electronic address: d.oreilly@mmu.ac.uk.
Declan
D
O'Reilly
Dept of Nursing, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6GX, UK. Electronic address: d.wilmott@mmu.ac.uk.
Danita
D
Wilmott
Dept of Nursing, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6GX, UK. Electronic address: g.witham@mmu.ac.uk.
Gary
G
Witham
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D020375:Education, Distance; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate; D005181:Faculty, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007858:Learning; D008490:Medical Informatics / Q000379:methods*; D013338:Students, Nursing
Electronic resources; Information technology; Learning resources; Literature review; Nurse education; Online learning; Systematic review