Author(s): Tasnuva Rahman, Md. Jamal Uddin and Mun Mun Hossain Amy
Abstract: Recognizing the broad importance of healthcare systems in improving quality of life and social welfare, global achievements in developed nations highlight significant progress in recent decades. This progress, marked by increased life expectancy and the delivery of high-quality patient care through advanced technologies, underscores the transformative impact of healthcare innovation. Nevertheless, the developing world faces challenges in embracing innovation, necessitating urgent reforms to address deficiencies in healthcare. Understanding the effects of technology integration on the nurse workforce and job satisfaction becomes crucial in light of rapid technological progress in hospital settings. This study aims to investigate nurses' job satisfaction in the era of technological innovations and analyze nurses’ perceptions of the Fourth Industrial Revolution's impact on Bangladesh's hospitals. The study is designed as a mixed method approach a total of 250 nurses from 10 hospitals in Dhaka city were surveyed through a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed to comprehend the perception of job satisfaction among nurses in Dhaka city. For the qualitative analysis, 10 experienced nurse supervisors from the 10 selected private hospitals were interviewed. The interviews comprise four questions aimed at gaining insights and obtaining information to meet the objectives of the study. The findings of the study revealed that high levels of job satisfaction were found on four of the IWS subscales: (i) Salary; (ii) Autonomy (iii) Interaction among nurses and iv) Use of Technology in nursing. Moderate levels of satisfaction were found on two of the subscales, administration and professional status while the task requirement and doctor-nurse relationship subscale were the major areas of dissatisfaction across the group. From the qualitative analysis of the respondents’ responses, three dimensions have been developed namely, the benefits and challenges of implementing 4IR, the impact on human resources, and the financial impact on the hospitals of Bangladesh. While the Fourth Industrial Revolution is still in its early stages, it has significantly impacted Bangladeshi hospitals by integrating technology into nursing practices. Although nurses generally respond positively to technology, addressing negative perceptions is crucial. Managerial support is needed to enhance awareness, motivate nurses, and ensure job satisfaction, ultimately contributing to improved patient safety and centered care.