In recent years, technological advancements have changed the medical field. The days of manually filing the records are decreasing. With emerging technologies in electronic recordkeeping and telehealth, patients can easily access their data. They also improve efficiency and effective communication in the nursing field. Let us know more about how emerging technologies are impacting nursing practices.
Benefits of Nursing Technology
The advancements in technology and latest devices have enhanced the quality of life for healthcare professionals and patients in the following ways:
Better Accessibility
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have changed the healthcare space entirely. EHR is a digital version of patients’ medical history, including progress notes, problems, providers, lab data, medications, etc. EHRs can improve patient care by enhancing the accuracy of medical records and making easy data accessible to doctors and patients.
In addition, advancements in telehealth have played a large part in better accessibility. Telecommunication systems make it easy for patients separated geographically to get nursing care through live video conferencing, remote patient monitoring, and mobile health apps. So, you can easily access quality care even in remote geographic areas these days.
Decreased Human Error
Emerging technologies can lessen the chances of human errors. For example, nurses working long hours are at higher risk of committing mistakes. In addition, with the latest medical technologies, routine procedures have become simple. For instance, smart beds can help nurses to check weight and track movement and vitals. Or automated IV pumps can measure medication dosage for patients. Moreover, EHRs can reduce bedside mistakes as data is readily available.
Positive Impact on Nursing Shortage
Nurse burnout is an important factor in the shortage of nurses. Prolonged physical and mental exhaustion makes nurses feel stretched thin, leading them to leave their practice setting. Emerging technologies in telehealth can lighten the nurse’s burden since it takes fewer nurses to offer adequate care.
In addition, telehealth allows nurses to reach geographical areas with a shortage of health professionals. It includes locations in rural regions that lack healthcare professionals. Telehealth helps address these issues by remotely providing effective care to patients.
Potential Drawbacks of Nursing Technology
The rapid advancement of technology in healthcare has identified potential obstacles that many hospital systems face. Some of them are as follows:
Threat to Humans
Recent technology can threaten to replace direct interaction between patient and nurse. Nurses play the role of making a relationship with patients and their families. They are also responsible for explaining medications and taking vitals. In some hospitals, nurses record the patient’s information. Though typing information on a computer seems more trustworthy to healthcare professionals and patients, it will inevitably create less person-to-person interaction.
Data and Security Threats
EHRs kept in the form of big data or the cloud is susceptible to being hacked. Hospital cyber crimes are common as patient details can be sold on the black market. Also, the entire EHR system can be at risk if an employee accidentally taps on malware. Hospitals with a data breach can pay hefty fines based on the severity.
Final Words
The emerging technology in nursing is a future wave in the healthcare industry. Advanced technologies in AI, EHRs, software, and app development are becoming popular as more hospitals integrate them into the health system. Though there are some drawbacks, it is clear that information technology has great potential to improve the quality of life.
