This page provides links to the findings of a research study undertaken by Richard Lakeman in June-July 1996.
These findings were
presented at:
Lakeman, R. (1996). The
internet: Facilitating and international nursing culture. (Conference
Proceedings). (pp. 261-282). Auckland: ANZCMHN
and published in:
Lakeman, R. (1996). Psychiatric nursing. The Internet: facilitating an
international nursing culture for psychiatric nurses. Computers in Nursing,
16(2), 87-9.
1.0 How psychiatric nurses use the internet.
One respondent stated that s/he used the internet for "Information,
inspiration and entertainment". These three threads appear
to weave there way through the various themes that emerged from
the data arising from the above question. Respondents identified
5 main uses of the internet.
1.1 Communication with colleagues was the dominant theme.
"I use it mainly for communication with peers around the world.
As the recruitment co-ordinator for our program I feel that I
must be familiar with advancements/experiences of peers globally
in order to give applicants a better sense of the profession they
are considering as a career choice…."
Many respondents identified the mode of communication that they
used for example e-mail, IRC and e-mail discussion groups.
1.2 Research was frequently mentioned as one of the key
things which respondents used the internet for. It was not always
clear what the respondents meant by research. One respondent listed
"research for thesis work" as one use of the internet.
Some respondents provided examples of finding information which
was useful for writing up thesis or research reports.
"I have found numerous resources on my thesis topic here that I
have not been able to even consider finding by other means i.e.
I have been able to access and get copies (from the authors) of
three dissertations that never even appeared on other data bases."
Others stated that they used the internet for literature searches
or to help with post-graduate study. Again the method or application
which was used to achieve this was often cited. "I also go
to web sites/library (telnet) sites and read and download information."
It appears that research as "information gathering"
was the most popular conceptualisation of research as described
by respondents. The use of the internet for undertaking formal
research projects was not mentioned.
1.3 Obtaining Software and files. Several respondents mentioned
that they used the internet to find computer software, to "down
load files" or for "accessing computer files".
1.4 News. Many respondents mentioned keeping up
to date with current trends, monitoring "news groups",
using the internet to monitor "news" . One respondent
said, "To keep up to date with changes, ideas etc. in psychiatry
(Look at jobs that may be offered elsewhere in the world)".
1.5 Recreation. Some listed "fun" or "recreation".
The "World Wide Web", "Networked Games"
and assisting children with their education were identified as
"fun" or recreational uses of the internet.