Through the lens: A qualitative exploration of nurses' experiences of smart glasses in urgent care

Abstract

AbstractAimTo investigate the real‐world experiences of nurses' using smart glasses to triage patients in an urgent care centre.DesignA parallel convergent mixed‐method design.MethodsWe collected data through twelve in‐depth interviews with nurses using the device and a survey. Recruitment continued until no new themes emerged. We coded the data using a deductive‐thematic approach. Qualitative and survey data were coded and then mapped to the most dominant dimension of the sociotechnical framework. Both the qualitative and quantitative findings were triangulated within each dimension of the framework to gain a comprehensive understanding of user experiences.ResultsOverall, nurses were satisfied with using smart glasses in urgent care and would recommend them to others. Nurses rated the device highly on ease of use, facilitation of training and development, nursing empowerment and communication. Qualitatively, nurses generally felt the device improved workflows and saved staff time. Conversely, technological challenges limited its use, and users questioned its sustainability if inadequate staffing could not be resolved.ConclusionSmart glasses enhanced urgent care practices by improving workflows, fostering staff communication, and empowering healthcare professionals, notably providing development opportunities for nurses. While smart glasses offered transformative benefits in the urgent care setting, challenges, including technological constraints and insufficient organisational support, were barriers to sustained integration.Implications for PracticeThese real‐world insights encompass both the benefits and challenges of smart glass utilisation in the context of urgent care. The findings will help inform greater workflow optimisation and future technological developments. Moreover, by sharing these experiences, other healthcare institutions looking to implement smart glass technology can learn from the successes and barriers encountered, facilitating smoother adoption, and maximising the potential benefits for patient care.Reporting MethodCOREQ checklist (consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research).Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.