Technology in Nursing: The Next Game Changers
By Lee Soren, contributor
When it comes to healthcare, technology can be a game changer. The right equipment can help nurses improve the quality of patient care by streamlining routine tasks, automating medication delivery and providing real-time medical information. Plus, with the growing nursing shortage, it can reduce the potential for human error that results from too few nurses working long hours to care for patients.
From high-tech hospitals to facilities that are only now beginning to reap the benefits of modern technological advances, there's no doubt that technology is impacting the field of nursing. Read on to discover what equipment is making a difference, the benefits of technology in nursing and how it's changing the role of today's healthcare professionals.
Wearable technology
Most people are familiar with the idea of wearable technology. From smartwatches that sync to your cell phone to dedicated activity trackers, these wearables are common modern accessories, helping the general population measure their activity levels, monitor their heart rates and generally become more mindful about their health.
Wearable technology is now proving its worth in medical settings, providing nurses with accurate real-time data and instant analytics, giving healthcare professionals a more comprehensive picture of a patient's medical status at any given time and eliminating concern over inaccurate self-reporting from patients. Wearables can also increase patient participation in their own recovery and help nurses track progress after patients are released from the hospital.
Plus, wearable technology is no longer limited to fitness and activity trackers. A study published by The Journal for Nurse Practitioners notes several other innovative uses for wearable technology, including:
- Necklaces that monitor heart function
- Contact lenses that measure eye pressure and glucose levels
- Headbands that capture electroencephalograms
Electronic health records
Many hospitals have already implemented electronic health records and many more are coming on board with this technology. EHRs are transforming healthcare by providing real-time updates of patient charts, letting nurses provide efficient care that reflects the most up-to-date diagnoses and treatment plans. EHRs can also mean fewer errors caused by incomplete documentation or difficulty reading illegible doctor's notes.
Electronic health records can also enhance patient safety, helping nurses reduce the risk of life-threatening situations. An article on HealthIT.gov points out that EHRs can alert nurses to allergies and possible drug interactions, potentially saving lives.
Smart beds
Because hospital patients spend most of their time in bed, it's no surprise that technology is also heading off to bed. Ever-evolving smart bed technology, which is now being implemented in many facilities, provides healthcare professionals access to a variety of vital information without moving the patient.
According to a study published by the NCBI, smart beds feature a wireless sensor network that collects data such as weight changes and movement patterns, potentially preventing falls and minimizing the risk of devastating bedsores.
Reducing the need to move patients can be more than just convenient for nurses; it can be beneficial to their health, as well. An article on NPR estimates that nurses experience more than 35,000 back and other injuries each year that are severe enough to keep them out of work. By eliminating the unnecessary moving of patients, nurses may actually reduce their own risk of injuries.
Robotics
Robotics may be the ultimate game-changer for nursing. While this isn't a new technology, the fruits of robotics are now making waves throughout the world of healthcare.
Robots are currently being designed to perform a variety of routine nursing tasks, such as measuring patients' vital signs, administering medication and supporting patients' mobility. According to an article on mHealth Intelligence, robots may even serve as interactive healthcare kiosks that walk and talk, providing a real-time connection to an actual doctor.
While robotic assistants may ultimately eliminate the need for nurses to come in contact with contagious materials and highly infectious patients, most healthcare professionals agree that technology should never replace human interaction. Rather, robotics should reduce risks to patients and streamline nursing routines so nurses can spend more quality time with patients, monitoring symptoms and ensuring the best outcome possible.
While new technology inevitably requires additional education and training, the end result is generally worth the effort, reducing nursing burnout and improving overall patient care. If you're ready to explore the state-of-the-art technology available at hospitals around the nation, start your search by checking out Travel Nursing's job postings to find a position that's right for you.