Technology has changed the way nurses and nurse aides care for their patients and residents, and its impact on healthcare will continue to evolve as innovation continues. Some people see this as a positive, citing the time-saving benefits that technological advances provide. Others take a less-than-enthusiastic view, suggesting the increased reliance on technology leads to a decrease in personal interaction between nurse and patient. Show
While individuals on both sides of the debate offer a combination of statistical and anecdotal evidence to support their arguments, it’s important to remember that the overwhelming majority of nurses are in favor of technology that helps improve patient care. In fact, in a recent survey of 600 nurses, 82% shared that they have a favorable view of nursing technology.1 What is nursing technology?Nursing technology is medical technology designed to help RNs, LPNs, and other nursing professionals care for their patients more effectively. With examples ranging from small mobile devices to automated medication delivery systems, nursing technology is a broad category. It only takes a quick glance around any medical facility to see how prevalent healthcare technology has become. Yet, despite the advances and enhancements tech solutions have brought to the medical industry, there are still benefits and drawbacks to its widespread use. Advantages and disadvantages of nursing technologyNursing Technology Advantages
Nursing Technology Disadvantages
10 best examples of nursing technologyIn the pursuit of improved patient care, nursing technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Below are ten examples of technological advances that are helping nurses provide better care and experience more job satisfaction. 1. TelehealthOne of the newest developments in electronic healthcare technology, telehealth applications enable doctors and nurses to provide essential care for patients who may not be able to visit a medical facility in person. Through convenient video conferencing, medical professionals can meet with individuals, assess their condition based on presenting symptoms, and determine whether a physical office visit is required or treatment can be prescribed based on existing symptoms. 2. Electronic Health Records (EHR)These digital records combine a patient’s facility-specific medical records — usually stored as Electronic Medical Records (EMR) — with more comprehensive health information that can help medical providers of all types provide the best overall care possible. And since they’re stored digitally, these records don’t require the massive amounts of physical space that traditional medical records once did — an improvement welcomed by medical records technicians worldwide. 3. Point-of-care technologyWhether it’s a handheld tablet in a doctor’s office, a laptop in a long-term care facility, or a mobile computer cart in a hospital, point-of-care (PoC) technology gives nurses the ability to take patient reports, update records, and create treatment plans without leaving the room. This instant care reduces distraction-related errors and helps patients and residents feel as if their concerns are instantly addressed, which has a direct impact on their overall satisfaction with the care they receive. 4. Electronic lift systems & smart bedsMany times, nursing technology streamlines informational processes. However, in the case of electronic lifts and smart beds, these advancements address a practical, physical challenge. By using mechanical lifts, nurses can help patients who cannot stand or walk get into their bed without assistance from additional medical staff members. Smart beds simplify the health monitoring process by using integrated sensors to automatically track patient vital signs such as heart rate, blood oxygen, weight, and temperature. 5. Digital monitorsEven when they’re not built into a smart hospital bed, electronic monitors help nurses keep track of their patients’ vital signs. By automatically monitoring and recording pulse rate, ECG, oxygen levels, respiratory rates, and more, these monitors free nurses to focus on other aspects of patient care, increasing overall efficiency. Additionally, these monitors can alert medical staff when vitals reach dangerous levels, which is especially helpful when nurses are responsible for many patients at once. 6. Automatic IV pumpsIV pumps play an integral role in patient care, especially in acute care facilities. And while they offer an efficient delivery system for patient nutrition and medication, IV placement and maintenance can be time-consuming when done manually. Automatic pumps allow nurses to program drip rates and medication dosage and delivery intervals, reducing the risk of human error throughout the patient’s stay. 7. Wearable technologyMore than any other advancement, wearable technology devices allow nurses to engage with their patients even when they’re not physically in the medical facility. Thanks to medical innovation and mobile technology, many monitors traditionally used in healthcare facilities (i.e., heart rate, blood oxygen, blood pressure, ECG, etc.) are now available as devices that patients can wear at home. By allowing nurses to track patient health outside of clinical settings, wearable technology is raising the level of care for acute conditions and chronic health issues. 8. SmartphonesWhile not originally developed as nursing technology, smartphones have paved the way for smooth, efficient communication between patients and healthcare professionals. Not only do smartphones provide easy calling and texting capabilities regardless of location, but mobile apps can also work with medical monitoring devices to automatically relay essential health information to doctors and nurses. 9. Training & educationTraditionally, nurses who wanted to further their education or complete continuing education requirements had to attend classes or sessions that may interfere with their work schedules. The explosion of online education options has drastically reduced the need for in-person classes and empowered nurses to improve their skills and advance their careers while still doing the work they love. 10. Scheduling applicationsNursing is a diverse profession that offers multiple employment options ranging from full-time work to per diem nursing positions. For nurses who want to maintain flexibility in their schedule, finding consistent work opportunities can be challenging. Now, thanks to mobile scheduling solutions like the Gale App, nurses and nurse aides can control their schedule, working only the shifts they want to work and enjoying the financial stability of daily pay. Gale uses technology to give nurses control of their schedulesIf you are an RN, LPN, CNA, or other nursing professional, Gale gives you the ability to set your schedule and choose the shifts that fit your lifestyle. If you’re ready to work when you want and collect your earnings as soon as your shift is over, apply to join the Gale family today! 1 https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/artificial-intelligence-could-completely-transform-patient-kutscher/ What kind of technology is used in nursing?Patients are given wearable devices, such as a heart monitor. The medical devices use sensors to record vital signs and other information and then communicate it to computer systems at the hospital or physician's office. Nurses can then monitor information from the medical devices while the patients are at home.
How can technology help nurses care for patients?In the nursing field, technology allows RNs to improve efficiency and communicate more effectively. While some nurses have oppositions about new technology, saying it takes personal interaction away from the bedside, a survey of 600 nurses show that 82 percent believe that technology positively impacts patient care.
Why are information and technology skills essential for safe patient care?Implementing information systems can provide better access to evidence; it can affect the patient care quality and support evidence-based nursing. Software tools to facilitate research are available in all medical fields (Kardan & Darvish, 2008).
What technology is used in healthcare?Newer technologies, like cloud, blockchain and AI tools based on machine learning, can help healthcare organizations uncover patterns in large amounts of data while also making that data more secure and easier to manage.
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