Nursing Practice and Technology
photo credit: Evolve Elsevier
The way nurses perform their tasks has changed as a result of contemporary nursing technologies. Evidently, these technologies and new healthcare systems have succeeded in providing patients with superior services. According to data from many studies and polls, advances in technology of nurses have increased patient satisfaction and overall results.
Trends in Technology Today
Although there have been many technology advancements in the nursing sector, some of them have recently gained attention since they make it easier and more modern for each nurse’s workload so they can devote more time to their patients. These technologies include point-of-care equipment, computerized medical records, and systems for identifying patients and employees. In addition, there are computerized operator programs, smart beds, and electronic lift systems. In this sense, cloud computing’s features are equally pertinent.
It means that computer applications and data storage resources are moved from local computers to outside servers within healthcare systems. In the context of healthcare and nursing improvements in terms of embracing technology, this clause is crucial.
Point of care technology
Point-of-care technology allows nurses in many hospitals to access and acquire a wide range of precise information right from a patient’s room using a wireless linkage and computer. Receiving records of patients, prescription information, X-rays, and alternate opinions from other qualified medical professionals have all shown to be very helpful. Computer and software companies are presently attempting to advance this technology to incorporate wireless and mobile applications. This will make it simple for nurses to access the data they need at any time.
Computerized Medical Records
As politicians attempt to establish a Nationwide Healthcare Information Network (NHIN) to organize the EHRs, Electronic Health Records (EHR) have grown to be a serious issue. Despite the fact that paperless medical records have been utilized for many years and that computerized documentation has been linked to higher nursing standards and better patient outcomes, a recent Harvard study found that less than one in five nurses use electronic health records. Medical professionals anticipate fewer medical errors as more hospitals continue to use EHRs.
In the healthcare industry, it is crucial to pay attention to complaints and resolve minor situations through accurate electronic records. Patients' and the general public’s issues can be handled by them. The constraints that practitioners have when practicing and renewing their licenses as health practitioners are limited by appropriate electronic records in healthcare.
Systems for identifying patients and employees
Systems for identifying patients and employees have steadily evolved in healthcare facilities to increase productivity and validate the delivery of nursing services. This practice aims to prevent unauthorized people from entering the building or obtaining patient records.
These systems use a variety of technologies, including as radio frequency identification, wristbands, and bar codes. In order to reduce errors and simultaneously ensure patient safety, they are helpful in patient identification and training.
In recent years, innovative palm vein technology, ocular scans, and microchips have all been developed for patient and healthcare professional identification. These technologies have helped to lower the number of instances where patients' files are accessed improperly. The utilization of web-based training technology is quite effective for nurses when done with correct identification. The advancement of healthcare technologies has been embraced to improve the comfort, safety, and effectiveness of the nursing profession. Examples include electronic lift systems, smart beds, and computerized staff schedules.
Likewise, additional smart beds contain point-of-care technology that improve patient information factors including blood pressure, temperature, weight, and neck/head elevations as well as access to and analysis of that data. It is important to note that the projected new staff’s schedule plans aid in fostering effectiveness.
The Society’s Importance of New Nursing Technologies
The latest nursing technologies provide a number of advantages for both nurses and other members of society. The two main trends that have encouraged improvements in nursing technology are patient safety and the standard of healthcare. One example of a tool that aids in tracking the impact of nurses on patient care outcomes is the National Quality Indicator Database.
Conclusion
It is essential to acknowledge how safer, more effective, and higher-quality healthcare services have transformed the nursing field. Although nursing technology is always improving, some healthcare basics will not change. Supporting patients, keeping tabs on their recovery, and, most importantly, treating them like human beings are all included in these concepts.
Nurses will have to accept the advantages and difficulties that come with new technologies as they develop. However, it is clear that advancements in nursing technology have had a significant positive impact on the delivery of high-quality, secure, and effective healthcare services.
