During the last decade, the use of technology has exploded throughout healthcare. What once may have seemed impossible or even unimaginable is now being used in the everyday care and treatment of patients. Improvements in technology for nursing have made healthcare safer and more accessible for many populations.
While healthcare providers often benefit from the use of technology, nurses, doctors, and other professionals must stay on top of the rapid changes in healthcare technology.
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Keeping up with technology for nursing
Some of the most drastic changes that have impacted nurses in recent years include:
- Advancements in electronic charting
- Portable diagnostic equipment
- The use of robotics
- Electronic medication management systems
- Telehealth
For some nurses, these are welcome changes. For others, technological changes can be difficult to understand and frustrating to implement. Some nurses feel that telehealth and virtual visits make it more difficult to form a trusting patient-nurse relationship. Many worry that electronic health records put patient information at risk.
Nurses have a responsibility to adapt to changes in healthcare while advocating for their patients. They must find a way to use technology to their advantage without taking humanity out of nursing care.
Artificial intelligence in healthcare
Artificial intelligence in healthcare is one of the many advances that nurses may soon have to accept as part of routine patient care. AI software has already shown benefits and is being used by hospitals around the United States. With increasing frequency, AI is being used to:
- Confirm or suggest a diagnosis
- Warn nurses of an impending patient crisis
- Develop treatment plans
- Trend data and identify patterns
- Build and balance work schedules
Nurses should not rely on technology to do their jobs for them. In this new age of technology, critical thinking skills remain a vital skill for all nursing professionals. Caregivers should use technology as a way to improve patient outcomes rather than depending on it to make all decisions for them.
New technologies for learning
One of the greatest advantages of technology is the way it can be used to train new nursing students. Tools like virtual reality and artificial intelligence can help nurses practice their skills in a realistic environment while getting immediate feedback about the choices they make.
Simulation-based learning has been shown to increase a nurse’s skill level and confidence in real-life situations. More realistic scenarios can help nurses be prepared to decide confidently when an emergency arises. These scenarios prepare them to recognize quickly when a patient needs intervention.
Telehealth technology for nursing
Telehealth appointments are growing in popularity for patients needing all types of care. In fact, telehealth is the most rapidly growing sector of healthcare. Telehealth allows patients the opportunity to speak to a provider without a commute. It is often used as a replacement for non-emergent care or behavioral health visits.
Options for telehealth treatment include:
- Behavioral and emotional health
- Problems with dangerous substances like alcohol or drugs
- Checking results from diagnostic tests, lab results, or imaging
- Treatment for urinary tract infections
- Medications for migraines or mild injuries
- Assessing skin problems such as burns or rashes
- Managing medications
- Getting help for common sicknesses like colds or an upset stomach
- Checking in with your provider after surgery
- Instructions for physical or occupational therapy
- Using remote patient monitoring tools to track your health
People are sometimes surprised to hear that telehealth is used in hospitals around the country, including intensive care, emergency rooms, and operating rooms. Hospitals in rural locations benefit greatly from the use of telehealth. It allows them to get guidance from specialists or experts who might otherwise be unavailable.
Nurses working in telehealth work with in-person caregivers to monitor vital signs, review medications, discuss potential problems, and even complete patient teaching. Telehealth is a great solution for facilities facing staffing shortages. Some facilities are using telehealth to build a team of LPNs and RNs working together.
Ethics and legal considerations of technology in nursing
Because of advances in technology for nursing including telehealth, robotics, and artificial intelligence, the role of the bedside nurse is changing rapidly. It can be easy for nurses to neglect the caring, human side of nursing in favor of accuracy and efficiency while using technology.
Meeting the patients’ needs
Ethically, nurses have a responsibility to care for the patient’s emotional, social, and spiritual needs along with their physical needs. While technology can help keep patients physically safe, measure vital signs, and predict emergencies, nothing can replace the human-care aspect of nursing. The use of technology makes it easy for some nurses to see their patients as a set of vital signs and organs to be treated, rather than a person with emotional needs.
Related: Building Your Credibility and Team Skills: Effective Collaboration Skills in Healthcare
Legal responsibilities
In addition to acting ethically responsible, nurses have a legal obligation to use technology responsibly. Responsibilities include:
- Protecting patient privacy
- Maintaining accurate records
- Making appropriate decisions, regardless of artificial intelligence recommendations
- Independent verification of medication doses
- Ensuring equipment is in good working order
- Working within the scope of practice
