Key Takeaway
- Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have revolutionized nursing documentation, making it more efficient, accurate, and accessible.
- Telehealth and telemedicine technologies allow nurses to provide remote patient care, monitoring, and education, which has been particularly helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Mobile health technologies such as apps, wearable devices, and sensors have empowered patients to monitor their health and communicate with healthcare providers, enabling more personalized and proactive care.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms can help nurses analyze patient data, predict health outcomes, and identify potential issues before they become serious.
- Robotics and automation technologies are transforming nursing workflows and patient care delivery, such as medication administration, wound care, and rehabilitation.
Technology has revolutionized many industries, and healthcare is no exception. In particular, nursing has seen significant advancements in technology that have improved patient outcomes and enhanced the quality of care. Technology can assist nurses by expediting and increasing the efficiency of their daily tasks, or in rare situations, by entirely completing a task.
Nurses are at the forefront of using the most recent developments to provide patients with treatment that is both more efficient and effective as healthcare technology advances. The use of telehealth in nursing has grown significantly, with a 2020 survey by HIMSS finding that 79% of respondents reported using telehealth to deliver patient care, compared to just 22% in 2018.
Robotics, data analytics, mobile technology, and diagnostic tools are just a few examples of innovations that are changing the way that nurses access healthcare. In this blog, we will explore the ways in which technology has impacted nursing and how it is being used to improve patient care.
What benefits does nursing technology provide to patients?
Keeping up with patient care and the healthcare system as a whole, these new medical technologies are essential as the population ages, life expectancy rises, and the nursing shortage persists. Both doctors and patients can benefit from the conveniences offered by cutting-edge medical technology. Care for a large number of patients can be made simpler and more efficient with the help of modern technology. They can also help patients acquire the care they require by making it easier for them to do so.
When there aren’t enough nurses to go around, and there are already too many patients for them to properly care for, it’s common for mistakes and oversights to occur.
Nurses generally believe that advances in healthcare technology and innovative medical gadgets can improve patient care, but they often stress the importance of maintaining a human touch in the workplace. Direct patient care is essential, and nurses play a pivotal role in establishing rapport and making patients feel at ease.
It is part of a nurse’s role to communicate with patients’ loved ones, explain treatments, and distract them from their illness. Many in the medical field are concerned that advances in medical technology will eventually attempt to replace doctors and nurses with machines. Human engagement in healthcare, unlike in other fields, is essential to the success of patients. Finding the sweet spot between technological advances and the human touches that make nursing and healthcare so effective is essential.
Most experts believe that healthcare providers shouldn’t put too much stock in computers and apps; instead, they stress the need of having a human look at patients to assess their symptoms and requirements. Technological advances aren’t a panacea for healthcare problems, but they are improving the lives of patients and nurses alike.
The healthcare industry is being revolutionised by seven particularly noteworthy innovations. Both patients and doctors can benefit from nurses who are well-versed in the latest medical advances.
What technologies do nurses use?
1. Electronic Health Records (EHRs)
One of the most significant technological advancements in nursing has been the implementation of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs have replaced traditional paper-based charts, allowing nurses to easily access patient information and update their records in real-time. This has made it easier for nurses to communicate with other healthcare providers and has improved the accuracy and completeness of patient records. Additionally, EHRs have allowed for more efficient data collection and analysis, making it easier to identify trends and patterns in patient care.
2. Telehealth
Telehealth is another technological advancement that has impacted nursing. Telehealth allows healthcare providers to communicate with patients remotely, using video conferencing and other technologies. This has become increasingly important during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many patients have been unable to access in-person care. Telehealth has allowed nurses to continue providing care to patients without the need for face-to-face interactions, reducing the risk of infection and improving access to care.
3. Wearable Technology
Wearable technology, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, has also become increasingly popular in healthcare. These devices can track a patient’s vital signs, activity levels, and other health-related data, providing nurses with valuable information about their patients. This can help nurses identify potential health issues before they become more serious and can also help patients better manage chronic conditions.
4. Portable monitor
Thanks to portable monitoring equipment, nursing staff may check on patients while they are away from their care or caring for someone else. While keeping an eye on key indications like the ECG, respiration rates, and oxygen saturations, portable devices transmit data back to a central monitor. This implies that nurses will receive an alarm warning in the event of an emergency.
Nurses typically monitor the levels every hour in hospitals. Portable monitoring equipment enables nurses to track and collect information at the proper time even while a lot of other things are happening. Because of this, doctors and nurses can now actively monitor patients from any location within the hospital. The portable monitor can warn nurses and sound alarms, which may save lives.
Nurses receive training on the usage of portable monitors in their specific hospital, and nursing schools help students learn about the significance and widespread applications of several popular pieces of equipment.
5. Smart beds
With the help of smart bed technology, nurses can keep an eye on patients’ vital signs, weight, and mobility. Smart beds are crucial for keeping patients safe and comfortable over a lengthy hospital stay. Given the prevalence of patient falls and injuries in hospitals, smart beds are essential for patient safety.
Nurses have a permanent in-room monitor that constantly updates them on a patient’s activities thanks to the use of smart bed technology. Also, it can help with the identification of trends, which might lead to a revised evaluation of a condition or a new diagnosis.
Nurses also spend less time coming in to modify supplies and medical equipment for comfort or safety because they can help control that with their smart bed. Service providers can now focus on other important human-only duties.
6. Centralised command centres
One of the newest hospital innovations, centralised command centres, promises improved patient experiences as well as effective ways for RNs and clinicians to manage resources, capacity, and clinical technology. Real-time updating software applications like dashboards are used to do this.
With fewer or no wait times between transfers of care, doctors and nurses can actively monitor the rooms that are available and the OR schedules to determine what specific patients still need before being released. As a result, everyone is able to work more productively and provide patients with better care.
The nation’s command centres, which were developed expressly for capacity management, are operating effectively. Several hospitals assert that they are operating at higher capacity and giving patients overall better treatment.
7. Automated IV Pumps
The dosages and drips administered to patients are managed by automated IV pumps. . Thanks to software and medical technology, nurses may change the drip rates and medicament dosages without having to wait for the patients. Nutritional IV pumps provide meals when they are needed. Another method that allows patients to increase their own controlled dosage of medicines is a self-pumper.
In situations where a speedy change is necessary, automatic IV pumps can be very helpful in expediting nursing operations. For clinical patients and institutions, an automated way to changing drugs also reduces potential human error concerns.
Automated IV kits free nurses from having to measure out and give medication or meals so they can focus on other areas of their duties. Because hospitals utilise a variety of automated IV pumps, nurses usually receive training and instruction specific to the hospital or clinic they work at.
Several nursing schools also provide education and information on contemporary software and technology, including the advantages of automated IV pumps.
8. Medication Administration Technology
Medication errors are a common issue in healthcare, and technology has been used to reduce the risk of these errors. Medication administration technology, such as barcode scanners and automated dispensing systems, have been implemented in many healthcare facilities. These systems can help nurses ensure that the right medication is given to the right patient at the right time, reducing the risk of medication errors and improving patient safety.
9. Simulation Technology
Simulation technology has become increasingly popular in nursing education. Simulation technology allows nursing students to practice their skills in a safe, controlled environment, without putting real patients at risk. This technology can simulate a wide range of patient scenarios, allowing students to develop the skills they need to provide high-quality patient care.
10. Mobile Applications
Mobile applications solution have made it easier for nurses to manage their workload and access patient information on-the-go. Nurses can now use apps to track medication administration, access patient records, and communicate with other healthcare providers. These apps have improved workflow efficiency, communication, and have reduced the risk of medication errors.
Conclusion
Technology has transformed nursing and the healthcare industry as a whole. Electronic health records, telehealth, medical devices, mobile applications, and artificial intelligence have all made a significant impact on patient care, efficiency, and safety. Nurses who embrace technology will be better equipped to provide high-quality patient care and work more efficiently. As technology continues to advance, it will be exciting to see how it will continue to shape nursing and the healthcare industry.
Arkenea is a telehealth software development firm that has been providing cutting-edge software solutions to its clients for over 12 years. If you’re seeking for telehealth application for your company, get in touch with Arkenea.