SAFE AND QUALITY NURSING CARE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

ON HOW NURSES ARE SHAPING DIGITAL HEALTHCARE

Hasmay-an S. Nul

Notre Dame University

College of health and Sciences

Prof. Greg Barata RN

April 01, 2024

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DISCUSSION

The world of healthcare is changing fast, thanks to new technology. Nurses are leading the way in

using these tools to give better care to patients. From smartwatches to virtual check-ups, technology is

making it easier for nurses to do their jobs and help patients feel better.

One big change is Electronic Health Records (EHRs). These are like digital files that have all a

patient's medical history in one place. Nurses can use them to see what medicines a patient needs and if

they have any allergies. This helps nurses make better decisions about their care.

Another cool thing is wearable devices, like smartwatches. These gadgets can keep track of a

person's vital signs, like their heart rate. If something seems wrong, nurses can see it right away and help

the person before it gets worse. Plus, there are apps that let patients talk to nurses and doctors without

going to the hospital. This is really helpful for people who live far away or can't get around easily.

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ANALYSIS

The lights in the room used to make a soft buzzing sound while nurses worked late into the night,

hunched over patient charts. It was a tedious task, meticulously recording every detail of their care. One of

the biggest fears of nurses was making a mistake with medications, which added to the already stressful

environment. But things are starting to change for the better, thanks to technology.

Nowadays, nurses don’t have to carry around bulky stacks of medical records anymore. Instead, the

Electronic Health Records (EHRs), which are like digital files containing all of a patient's medical

information. With just a few clicks, they can access everything they need to know about a patient, from

their allergies to their treatment plans. This makes it much easier to make informed decisions about their

care and reduces the chances of making mistakes with medications.

But technology isn't just about keeping records—it's about improving patient care in many ways. For

example, imagine a patient wearing a smartwatch that monitors their heart rate and sends updates directly

to my tablet. This kind of real-time monitoring allows them to catch potential problems early and

intervene before they become serious. Plus, they can use special apps to talk to patients who live far away,

so they don't have to travel long distances to see us.

Of course, using technology also comes with responsibility. Before they can use any new tools, they

need to learn how to use them safely and effectively. And they always make sure to keep the patients'

information private and secure. But the benefits of using technology in healthcare are clear—it helps them

work more efficiently and provides better care for our patients.

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 In the end, technology isn't meant to replace the human touch; it's meant to enhance it. By embracing

these advancements, nurses can provide better care, empower patients to take control of their health, and

ultimately, create a brighter future for everyone involved in healthcare.

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Guide Questions:

1. What are your nursing responsibilities in handling breakthroughs in technology especially in

delivering safe and quality nursing care?

Nurses play a critical role in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of technology within healthcare.

With breakthroughs in technology emerging constantly, it's essential for nurses to remain up-to-date on

these advancements to effectively integrate them into patient care practices. This involves not only

understanding the functionalities of new technologies but also discerning how they can be best utilized to

enhance patient outcomes and improve the overall quality of care (Simpson, 2019).

2. What are the benefits of using technology in delivering quality nursing care?

The utilization of technology offers numerous benefits in the delivery of nursing care, ultimately

leading to enhanced patient experiences and improved clinical outcomes. One significant advantage is the

heightened accuracy and efficiency in documentation that technology enables. Through electronic health

records and digital charting systems, nurses can streamline the documentation process, reduce errors, and

ensure that patient records are comprehensive and up-to-date. Additionally, technology facilitates

seamless communication among members of the healthcare team, fostering collaboration and enabling

quick access to vital patient information (Brennan, 2017).

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3. How can wireless devices be of help in delivering health care services?

Wireless devices, such as smartphones and tablets, have revolutionized the way nursing care is

delivered by providing nurses with increased mobility and accessibility to information. These devices

empower nurses to access patient data on the go, communicate with colleagues and patients remotely,

conduct telehealth consultations, and streamline medication administration through features like barcode

scanning and electronic documentation (Jennings, 2020).

4. What are the importance of integrating informatics in delivering care to patients?

Integrating informatics into nursing practice is paramount for optimizing patient safety, clinical

outcomes, and evidence-based care delivery. Informatics equips nurses with the tools to effectively

manage and analyze large volumes of patient data, implement standardized protocols and clinical

guidelines, facilitate interdisciplinary communication, and support real-time decision-making at the point

of care (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2017). By harnessing the power of informatics, nurses can leverage

data-driven insights to tailor interventions to individual patient needs, monitor progress more effectively,

and continually improve the quality of care provided.

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 REFERENCES

American Nurses Association. (2023, January). Technology &

Innovation. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/innovation/innovation-guide/

American Nurses Association. (2023). Leveraging Technology for Nursing Practice: Electronic Health

Records (EHRs). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10362494/

Simpson, R. L. (2019). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. Nursing Administration

Quarterly, 43(1), 73-75. https://journals.lww.com/naqjournal/pages/default.aspx

Brennan, P. F. (2017). The importance of nursing informatics knowledge in the 21st century. Online

Journal of Nursing Informatics, 21(2).

https://www.himss.org/resources/online-journal-nursing-informatics

Jennings, B. M. (2020). Mobile technology and its use in clinical nursing education: A literature review.

Nurse Education in Practice, 48, 102847.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/nurse-education-in-practice

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McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2017). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (4th ed.).

Jones & Bartlett Learning.