Digital Health Competence and Patient-Centered Care among Hospital Nurses: The Mediating Role of Patient- Centered Nurse Patient

Original Article

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the relationships among digital health competence, patient- centered nurse–patient communication, and patient- centered care, with particular attention to the mediating role of patient- centered communication.

Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses working across diverse clinical departments in five major private hospitals in Multan, Pakistan. Data were collected from 280 nurses using a structured self-report questionnaire. The hypothesized relationships were examined using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS 4.

Results: Digital health competence positively influenced patient- centered nurse–patient communication (β = 0.603, p < .001) and patient- centered care (β = 0.298, p < .001). Patient- centered nurse–patient communication also positively influenced patient- centered care (β = 0.584, p < .001). The indirect effect of digital health competence on patient- centered care through patient- centered communication was significant (β = 0.352, p < .001; 95% CI [0.289, 0.423]), supporting complementary mediation.

Conclusion: Digital health competence contributes to patient- centered care both directly and through patient- centered nurse–patient communication. Strengthening digital and interpersonal competencies together may support more effective patient- centered nursing practice in digitally transforming hospital environments