The revolution of nursing through technology

June 30, 2023 Reeti Garg Health 0

The revolution of nursing through technology

The advancement of technology is having a significant impact on the field of nursing. From telehealth to robotic surgery, the world of nursing is undergoing a revolutionary transformation due to the introduction of new technologies.

Technology has been a driving force in revolutionizing many aspects of our lives, and the nursing field is no different. We have seen tremendous advancements in the past few decades that have significantly improved healthcare and patient care. 

From electronic health records and virtual visits to telemedicine and robotics, technology is changing the face of nursing. Below, we discuss the various ways that technology is changing how nurses practice and interact with their patients, as well as the potential implications that this could have on the future of healthcare.

Overview of how technology is impacting nursing

Technology is changing the world of nursing, and its benefits to nurses and their patients are exponential. Nurses and all practitioners must adjust to the new technological advancements to reap the benefits and improve patient care. Nurses must gain training in these technological advancements to enhance patients’ care and safety. 

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Electronic health records

Electronic health records (EHRs) have transformed the way that nursing professionals track their patients’ medical histories. These digital records can be accessed from anywhere and at any time, making it easier for nurses to share information with other healthcare providers and improve patient outcomes.

When patient data is recorded in an electronic system, it can be cross-checked with other information, reducing the risk of incorrect or incomplete information being used to make medical decisions. In addition, EHRs can help nurses keep track of medication lists, allergies and other vital health information that can be used to guide care decisions.

EHRs can help nurses and other professionals coordinate care more effectively and provide better support for their patients by providing real-time access to patient data. Nurses must be properly trained to use these systems and understand their limitations, and there are concerns about the security and privacy of patient data.

Wearable devices

Wearable devices worn on the body provide real-time health data and analytics that nurses can use to monitor and track patient progress. Wearable technology can come in many forms, including smartwatches, fitness trackers and medical devices such as insulin pumps.

Nurses can receive alerts if a patient’s vital signs, such as heart rate or blood pressure, become abnormal, allowing them to respond quickly and potentially prevent a medical emergency. Wearable devices make it easier for patients to take a more active role in their care by monitoring their health and sharing data with healthcare providers.

With wearable devices, nurses can collect and analyze patient data over time to identify patterns or trends indicating a potential health problem. By doing so, nurses can take a proactive approach to care and potentially prevent hospitalizations or readmissions.

While wearable devices have shown great promise in nursing, there are still some challenges to consider. Privacy concerns and data security are two major issues when using wearable technology. Nurses need to ensure that patients are fully informed about the data that is being collected and how it will be used.

Telehealth

Telehealth is an increasingly popular way to provide healthcare services, and is significantly impacting nursing. This can include videoconferencing with patients, virtual check-ins, remote monitoring and more. 

Telehealth can help improve access to healthcare services, particularly in rural or remote areas with limited access to medical professionals. By using telehealth, nurses can reach patients virtually, reducing the need for travel or face-to-face visits.

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Nurses can monitor patients remotely, track their progress and adjust their treatment plans as needed, all without needing a physical office visit. This can save time, reduce costs and improve patient satisfaction.

Telehealth can also be beneficial for nurses themselves. Many nurses struggle with burnout or overwork, but telehealth can help alleviate some of these issues by allowing nurses to work remotely. This can give nurses more flexibility in their schedules and allow them to take better care of themselves, ultimately benefiting their patients.

Telehealth faces the need for strong technological infrastructure and resources. Not all healthcare facilities have the necessary equipment or support to implement telehealth services effectively.

Nursing informatics

Nursing informatics uses data and information systems to support nursing processes, facilitate communication and collaboration, and improve patient outcomes. Nursing informatics tools and technologies can help nurses gather and analyze patient data, track clinical outcomes, and manage and communicate patient care plans. 

Nursing informatics tools can also help nurses identify and monitor patterns and trends in patient data and use that information to make informed decisions about patient care. The most common nursing informatics tools include EHRs, nursing-specific documentation systems, clinical decision support systems (CDSS) and telehealth platforms.

EHRs allow nurses to access patients’ medical histories, track their current medications and treatments, and document their care plans and progress in real time. This information can then be shared with other healthcare providers, improving coordination and communication across the healthcare team.

CDSS and nursing-specific documentation systems are also valuable nursing informatics tools. CDSS can help nurses identify potential drug interactions, alert them to possible complications or adverse events, and provide evidence-based clinical guidance. On the other hand, nursing-specific documentation systems can help nurses document and track patient care plans, monitor vital signs and manage patient charts.

Nursing informatics allows the safe flow of medical information through authorized healthcare providers keeping track of individual information, enabling providers to have a clear path in treating medical emergencies. For instance, a patient having a medical emergency may be allergic to certain medication, and informatics makes this information available.

Natural language processing

Natural language processing (NLP) is used in nursing through chatbots and virtual assistants. These tools can help nurses respond faster and more accurately to patient inquiries.

 

Patients can chat with a virtual assistant to get answers to questions about their medication, their symptoms or their treatment plan. This can save time for nurses, who can focus on more complex tasks that require their attention.

 

NLP is also being used to analyze patient data and identify patterns that may indicate a need for intervention. For example, if a patient shows signs of depression, NLP can analyze their social media posts and other online activity to identify risk factors. This can help nurses provide early interventions to prevent further complications.

Robotics

Robots can help with various tasks, from transporting medical equipment to aiding patients in daily routines. They can help monitor patients’ vital signs, administer medications and perform surgical procedures.

An exciting application of robotics in nursing is the development of robotic exoskeletons that can help to provide support and mobility to patients with mobility impairments. These exoskeletons can assist with walking and even allow for more independence and a better quality of life for patients who may otherwise require constant assistance.

Robots can also play a crucial role in disinfection and cleaning protocols. In the era of COVID-19, healthcare facilities explored ways to keep patients safe and reduce the risk of infection transmission. UV disinfection robots are being used to disinfect rooms and equipment, and some facilities are exploring using drones to deliver medical supplies and equipment.

3D printing

3D printing technology allows nurses to create three-dimensional models of medical devices and prosthetics. In nursing, 3D printing has numerous applications, such as creating customized braces, splints and implants. 3D printing is especially useful for patients who need prosthetic limbs as they can be custom-made to fit the patient perfectly. 

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Furthermore, 3D printing can also create anatomical models to aid in surgical procedures. Nurses can use these models to visualize the patient’s anatomy in 3D and plan the surgery more accurately, which can help to improve surgical outcomes.

3D printing is a valuable tool in medical research, as the technology enables nurses to use it to create replicas of cells and organs, which are studied for disease research. This technology can also help drug discovery by testing the effectiveness of drugs on 3D-printed cells and organs.

Blockchain

Blockchain, a decentralized system of records, ensures data security and integrity, making it an attractive tool for healthcare professionals, including nurses. 

In healthcare, blockchain technology can securely store patient information, including medical history, lab results and treatment plans. By using blockchain technology, the records are protected from being lost or tampered with, which reduces the risk of medical errors.

Nurses can also benefit from blockchain technology when tracking medications and supplies. Using a blockchain system, a nurse can quickly scan a medication or supply and have it added to the ledger, where it is easily accessible by all members of the care team. This ensures that everyone is up to date on the status of a patient’s care, which can ultimately lead to better outcomes.

Blockchain can also improve patient privacy by allowing for secure communication and data sharing. Nurses can securely, reliably and transparently share information with other healthcare providers.

Virtual reality

Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that immerses users in a computer-generated environment. In the world of nursing, VR can provide unique opportunities for training and education. 

Nursing students can experience realistic scenarios without the risk of harm to patients. They can also learn to manage their stress and emotions in high-pressure situations, such as emergencies or surgeries.

VR can also benefit patients by providing a way to manage pain, anxiety and other symptoms. By wearing VR headsets, patients can escape to peaceful virtual environments or distract themselves during uncomfortable procedures. 

Some hospitals even use VR to simulate medical procedures for children, making the experience less scary and more engaging. As technology advances and becomes more accessible, we can expect to see even more applications for virtual reality in healthcare.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and they have the potential to revolutionize patient care in once-impossible ways. AI-powered technology can help nurses automate routine tasks, such as scheduling appointments or keeping track of medical records. 

One of the most promising applications of AI in nursing is using machine learning algorithms to analyze patient data and identify potential health risks. AI systems can sift through massive amounts of patient data and help nurses make better decisions about patient care. This can lead to earlier diagnoses, more personalized treatment plans and better patient outcomes.

AI-powered technology can also help nurses detect potential complications before they become serious. For example, smart sensors can monitor patients’ vital signs and alert nurses if abnormalities are detected. This allows nurses to intervene early and prevent potentially life-threatening complications.

Despite the many benefits of AI in nursing, there are also ethical considerations to consider. For example, nurses must be mindful of privacy concerns when using AI-powered tools to collect and analyze patient data. Additionally, there is always the risk of AI bias, leading to unequal patient treatment based on race, gender or other factors.

Improving patient education through digital technology

Traditionally, nurses were the primary source of patient education in hospitals. However, with the rise of digital technology, patients can now access information about their health online.

Digital technology has allowed nurses to enhance patient education through various platforms such as videos, blogs and websites. Patients can access this information at any time, from any place, making managing their health easier.

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Digital technology has enabled nurses to create interactive and engaging educational materials for patients. For example, videos that explain medical procedures or medication regimens can be shared with patients to help them understand the process better. Nurses can also use online health communities to connect with patients, providing a platform for patients to ask questions and share their experiences with others.

Furthermore, digital technology has enabled nurses to reach out to patients who cannot attend in-person education sessions. For instance, patients in remote areas or those with mobility issues can access health information online.

Digital technology also allows nurses to provide patients with educational materials in multiple languages, catering to the diverse populations that exist in healthcare. Digital technology also lets nurses track patients’ health information in real time.

By using wearable devices such as smartwatches or fitness trackers, patients can track their health information, such as their heart rate or blood sugar levels. Nurses can monitor this information remotely, providing personalized education based on collected data. Patients can then make more informed decisions about their health, leading to better health outcomes.

Ethical considerations in the use of technology in nursing

As technology advances, nurses must also consider the ethical implications of using new tools and methods in their daily practice. With EHRs, telehealth and wearable devices becoming increasingly common in healthcare settings, nurses must be aware of potential ethical dilemmas.

One of the biggest concerns is patient privacy and confidentiality. EHRs contain a wealth of sensitive information, and nurses must follow strict access and sharing protocols. This includes protecting passwords and logins, verifying the identity of individuals requesting information, and only sharing information on a need-to-know basis.

Another ethical consideration is the potential for bias and discrimination in algorithms used for decision-making. AI and machine learning are increasingly used in healthcare, but ensuring that these tools are designed and programmed to be fair and unbiased is important. Nurses must be aware of potential biases and advocate for the ethical use of these tools.

Furthermore, telehealth raises ethical issues surrounding the quality of care and the responsibility of nurses in virtual consultations. Nurses must maintain the same professionalism and care in virtual consultations as in face-to-face interactions. Nurses must also ensure that patients have the technology and resources to participate in telehealth consultations.

Nurses must consider the potential impact of technology on their practice and the profession as a whole. Technology can help improve efficiency and accuracy, but can also lead to dehumanization and the loss of interpersonal connections with patients. Nurses must balance using technology to enhance patient care with maintaining the human touch that’s essential to nursing.

Industry transformation

Technology is transforming the nursing industry in significant ways. The benefits of technology are clear, from EHRs and wearable devices to AI and telehealth. 

These advancements have improved the efficiency and accuracy of healthcare delivery and made it possible to personalize and tailor care to each patient’s unique needs. While there are ethical considerations to remember when using technology, it is clear that it is shaping the future of nursing.

Nurses who stay current with technological trends will undoubtedly provide the best care for their patients, while contributing to a safer, more efficient healthcare system overall. With the right training and education, nurses can utilize these advancements to deliver high-quality patient care, ultimately improving patient outcomes and creating a more patient-centered healthcare system.

 

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International Nurses Day 2023: The backbone of our healthcare systemInternational Nurses Day 2023: The backbone of our healthcare system Learning opportunities for nursing students during clinical placements Bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application is an essential part of the learning process in every educational setting. This is because students can't learn everything about their chosen profession within the four walls of a lecture room, particularly when it comes to medical professions. Additional learning opportunities may come in the form of internships or clinical placements, depending on the course. These avenues provide students with practical experiences and insights into their chosen field to prepare them for successful careers. Undertaking a clinical placement is a crucial step for those intending to become certified as family nurse practitioners. Such practical experiences provide you with an opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge in real-life healthcare settings. During clinical placements, you have the chance to work alongside experienced healthcare professionals to gain hands-on skills and improve your clinical competence. To be involved in patient care across all ages, you need to understand what it truly means to be a family nurse practitioner. At a reputable university, such as Walsh University, having the opportunity to learn from hands-on experience on a clinical placement is crucial for a student nurse. At Walsh University, the clinical placement is where you would acquire the skills needed to provide preventive care and treatments as well as assist physicians. Students can also learn how to prepare and administer treatments; screen and assess patients; and help with challenging tasks such as setting up an IV or catheter. What are some of the other learning opportunities offered by this exciting chance to gain practical experience? Seven learning opportunities in clinical placements Before you start your clinical placement, it is essential you understand what some of the learning opportunities are and how you can utilize them as a nursing student. Prescribing and administering drugs Nurses play a unique and complex role in the prescription and administration of medicine. This is due to the fact that they are usually the last to check for errors before administering the medication. To prevent mistakes and guarantee patient safety, nursing students participating in clinical placements are given instructions on how to administer drugs. According to WebMD, you would be taught the rights of medication administration, which cover the essentials needed to prevent mistakes while prescribing drugs to patients. One right is the “right patient/individual”. You must be certain that the patient you're administering a drug to is the right patient for the medication. Nurses confirm this by comparing the patient's wristband to the name on the prescription and prove it by asking the patient to identify themselves. In circumstances where the patient is unable to do this themselves, it's your responsibility to use appropriate alternate measures of identifying the patient. Another right is the “right medication”. You have to verify that the medication being given to the patient has the same name as the one prescribed. Alongside this, you would learn to specifically examine the medication's indications, contraindications, expiration date, side effects and precautions. Another right is the “right dose”. This comes after validating the drug and the patient's identity are both correct. You must ensure that the correct strength of medication is administered. This is often done by estimating the dose and confirming its accuracy with the pharmacy to ensure the patient follows the proper guidelines. Another right is the “right time”. You will learn to ensure that the medication is administered at the appropriate intervals to sustain or achieve the intended therapeutic effect. This is made possible by evaluating the medication's duration of action and confirming when the last dose was administered before giving a new dose. Another right is the “right route”. You would learn to administer drugs through the various routes (oral, intravenous, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular). You would also confirm which route used for the administration of the medication is appropriate and convenient for the patient. All of these points help you understand what boxes to check before giving out medication to patients. They also increase your understanding of how to effectively issue medications without violating any policy guiding patient health and safety. Learning diagnostics Diagnostics are essentially tests performed to diagnose an illness or condition. Your time at a clinical placement will show you that you must always be accurate in diagnostic approaches to avoid misdiagnosing. This is particularly important since the adverse effect of a misdiagnosis could be the patient taking medication that affects their health rather than treats their illness. Appropriate diagnostics are necessary to efficiently carry out treatment or successfully manage the right health condition. You will be trained to be able to perform these assessments accurately. There are two main types of diagnostic tests in any healthcare setting: invasive and non-invasive. Invasive diagnostic tests involve puncturing the patient's skin, for example, taking blood samples. Non-invasive tests don't involve puncturing the skin. Good examples of non-invasive tests would be taking patient saliva or urine samples. Diagnostic tests are intended for specific purposes, all of which aim to confirm a disease or condition. Therefore, you are required to be familiar with all the various types of tests. These tests also include CT scans which are used to create three dimensional images of the different parts of the body, including bones, tissues and organs. They are used to diagnose infections, or internal injuries following an accident. Another type of test is a biopsy, which is used to diagnose some medical conditions. A colonoscopy, for example, uses a colonoscope inserted into the anus through the rectum to diagnose bowel cancer. An eye test is used to diagnose several forms of eye disorders. X-rays, another form of test in the field, use radiation to create an image of the inner parts of the body and are often used to detect bone abnormalities. It is important to note that you can't give a precise diagnosis if you don't understand the symptoms of the patient. Alongside your classroom and theoretical knowledge, a clinical placement would give you a chance to learn more about diagnosing patients. Such an opportunity will expose you to salient tips which could help you make a scientific guess before giving patients a precise diagnosis. Screening patients Patient screening is crucial to identify and assess the various diseases that afflict patients. Family nurse practitioners use screening as a tool to analyze a patient's health status. The general screening technique often entails gathering data on the patient’s medical history (and their family's medical histories) as well as the patient’s age, gender and other relevant criteria to identify risk factors for specific diseases and ailments. This form of patient assessment may include physical, cultural, psychosocial and safety assessments. You would be trained on how to perform such screening processes to ensure you are able to provide a high quality of patient care. Some of the common screening examinations carried out include: Physical examination. This is usually a head-to-toe assessment which includes measurements of vital signs like body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure; checking for any physical signs or symptoms associated with underlying diseases or conditions (such as bruises, scars and rashes); examining the patient's breath and body odor; inspecting urine color; as well as a general evaluation of the patient's health status. Checking on the patient's history. This is done to compile data and details on the patient as well as their family’s past and present health conditions. You would learn how to enquire about the patient's previous and present medical history, their lifestyle preferences, background, beliefs and habits. For instance, you may need to ask questions like "how long have you had chest pain?" or "which of your family members has a history of hypertension?" All these checks can help you understand exactly what the patient needs in terms of care. Psychosocial assessment. This addresses the emotional needs of the patient in relation to their health. You may be asked to check the concentration level of the patient to identify any hallucinations or reduced mental wellbeing, as well as how they respond to their feelings and emotions. These, and other forms of screening examinations, are learned during clinical placements. You would also be taught how to collate the information gathered from these examinations to make decisions about the patient's health and welfare. This practical experience can help strengthen your professional career. Setting up a catheter A urinary catheter is a long tube that is inserted into the body to drain and collect urine from the urinary bladder. Inserting a catheter is a routine technique that nurses must perform, especially with elderly or chronically ill patients. It may be used for diagnostics, medicine administration, assisting with urine outflow from the urinary bladder, or performing irrigation. You would learn how to set up a catheter – if you don't know it – through a clinical placement. You would also get to learn about the different types and sizes of catheters, and the complications associated with their use. While you may have encountered this during your days learning the theory of nursing, a clinical placement is one of the places where you would be shown how to set a catheter up effectively in practice. Upholding patients' rights Although you must have learned about patients' rights in theory, you would have the opportunity to put these rights into practice through clinical placements. You would learn how to care for patients while safeguarding their rights through several means, including: providing information on treatment through screening; treating patients equally and with respect and dignity irrespective of their status or health condition; providing swift, urgent attention and treatment in the case of emergency; maintaining the privacy of patients' records; recognizing the patient's right to refuse care, while recommending other appropriate measures to improve their health. Experience in these areas would prepare you for the real world of a professional where you would make decisions and be responsible for the consequences as a certified nurse. Participating in patient care Clinical placements allow you to participate in various aspects of patient care. These could range from routine care to caring for those with complex medical conditions. This exposure broadens your understanding of healthcare and prepares you to handle a diverse range of challenges. It enables you to understand the patient as a whole, rather than focusing solely on their medical condition. A clinical placement also helps you learn to consider the physical, emotional and social factors that have an impact on a patient's wellbeing. This will help you develop a holistic approach to their health. For example, religious beliefs play a major role in some people's reluctance to undertake therapy. You have to understand all these areas before carrying out any treatment plan for the patient. Gaining insights into the practical world Clinical nursing placements provide a platform where students, who have been confined within their classrooms, are able to integrate the theory with practice. They are also an opportunity to acquire essential skills, including interpersonal skills, empathy, critical thinking, and attention to detail. All these skills help you communicate effectively, think and act quickly, stay organized and ensure patients are cared for to the best of your abilities. A clinical placement is also a chance to test your abilities in practice. It's a chance to gauge your confidence and competence level to prepare yourself for life beyond nursing college. Preparing for your career Through clinical placements, you can prepare yourself for your career by practicing essential skills and building experience. Your clinical placement is a mirror of the real world and its requirements. That's why you need to gain hands-on training, refine your clinical competence, and develop your critical thinking abilities. These will help you navigate a wide range of patient scenarios, work effectively in interdisciplinary teams, and communicate empathetically with patients and their families. Clinical placements also allow you to understand how technology has helped develop and revolutionize healthcare. You get to learn about novel approaches to healthcare and how to leverage them in improving patient health. This exposure helps you in handling the challenges and complexities of healthcare and gain essential confidence and professional readiness. Building a network Aside from learning from real-life experiences, clinical placements also help students to build a useful network for their future. During clinical placements, students have an opportunity to interact with experienced nurses, physicians, healthcare administrators and other healthcare professionals. This networking can result in valuable mentorship opportunities and guidance, as students can seek advice on career options, specialization options and personal development. Networking can also lead to potential job offers or recommendations, as healthcare facilities often prefer to hire individuals with whom they are familiar. This makes clinical placement students more attractive candidates. Students on clinical placements can create networks within their placement organization which gives them access to extra workshops, conferences, and seminars where they can enhance their knowledge and skills, which improves their professional development. Conclusion Clinical placements are invaluable learning opportunities, and although they can be challenging at times, throwing yourself into your work, making use of available resources and not being afraid to ask for help can ensure that your placement is an exciting time during your nursing training. Many students prefer clinical placement to academic term time precisely because it allows you to apply the medical care knowledge you have been studying so hard to learn, to the real world. The opportunities you receive on placement to demonstrate and consolidate your existing knowledge as well as to build upon it, are nearly endless. 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About Reeti Garg 353 Articles
Being outstanding in school and college for her academics and sports, little did she know that her passion for writing about unobserved people, stranded things and mysteries of the heart would lead her to become a professional writer later in life! An avid reader and a hardcore movie buff, her favorite past time is listening to music and writing poems. She is a published author and on her way to completing her second book ‘Under the Falling Stars’, a thriller on bisexuality. In this short span of 4 years of being a professional writer, she has been associated with many articles for renowned magazines and newspapers, blogs, short stories and poetries. Names associated with her writing skills are ‘Meri Sajni’, ‘Akinchan Bharat’, ‘Hamara Ghaziabad’, mycity4kids.com. Aspiring to be famous and known as a soulful author one day, she would love to settle someday in the silent disquietedness of London countryside, where she plans to just sip coffee and keep writing trilogies.