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Using New Technology in Nursing Practice

Nursing practice is changing faster than ever. Technological developments in other fields continue to influence nursing as well. For example, artificial intelligence and virtual reality are enabling nurses and nurse practitioners to learn from real, patient-based experiences. With the ability to access high-quality educational videos and clinical curricula, more nurses have the opportunity to advance their skills on a daily basis. Technology can also have a positive impact on nursing practice. Some examples include new telehealth systems that improve care coordination for patients who need advanced medical interventions or care at a distance, such as home or a nursing facility; electronic health records and patient engagement platforms that help ensure all relevant information is available for every patient; or patient safety apps that promote communication with loved ones while they are in the hospital or care center. Let’s explore how this technology may be used in nursing practice.

Telehealth

Telehealth is the use of telecommunications and information technology to improve the delivery of health care services. This includes using clinical data to improve patient care, using remote monitoring to reduce health care costs, and enabling access to health care services. It also includes using telecommunications to facilitate health care services that would be impractical or unsafe to conduct in person. The potential to use new technology to provide cost effective care and reduce hospital stays has allowed the use of telehealth to grow in popularity. Telehealth is being used to improve clinical care by providing data-driven information and support that develop care plans that are tailored to individual patients’ needs. Patients who require long-term care may receive support and assistance through telehealth, such as accessing health information resources, managing medications, or communicating with family and loved ones.

Electronic Health Records

Electronic health records (EHRs) are computerized records of patients’ health care that include health information such as diagnoses, test results, medications, and immunizations. An EHR can also include an individual’s health care history, lifestyle information, and vital signs. Traditionally, paper records were the primary way that doctors communicated with other health care providers. In the early 2000s, the federal government, along with many other health care organizations, began to invest in EHRs as a way to modernize the health care system and improve the quality of care. However, the transition to EHRs has been slower than many had hoped. In fact, a 2017 study by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found that only half of all adults in the United States had an electronic health record.

Patient Engagement Platforms

Speech-enabled technology allows patients to interact with healthcare providers and access health information through their mobile device. Depending on the platform and app, patients can share medication reminders, get health advice, or locate nearby medical facilities. This type of technology can improve the experience for patients who have compromised mobility or who have limited access to computer technology. There are several different types of patient engagement platforms. Some allow patients to communicate with physicians and pharmacists, get access to health information, and connect with care team members for support. Others provide a forum for patients and caregivers to share health information and connect with a community of people with similar health concerns and issues.

Safety Apps

Apps that promote safety and security in the clinical setting have many potential uses. They can be used to create a digital “checklist” for various tasks in a hospital, to create a digital “to do” list for activities during a patient’s stay, and to create digital “recall” messages to remind patients of essential steps. These apps could also be used by nurses to prevent medication errors, including giving medications in the right order, at the right time, and by the right patient. Apps also have potential to prevent miscommunication among team members. For example, a patient’s bedside nurse can communicate with the patient’s doctor by typing a message on a tablet. The doctor can read the message, respond, and then either approve or disapprove of the nurse’s request.

Conclusion

Nurses are continually looking for new ways to improve patient outcomes. These include using technology to create more person-centered care and improve health outcomes. With the right tools, nurses can provide better care to a wider range of patients, from those who are at a high risk of complications to those who are frail and require much less support. The use of new technologies in clinical practice has had a significant impact on nursing. The impact will only continue to increase as more and more technological advancements are made.