Technology Deployment in Nursing

TECHNOLOGY IN NURSING

Technology in Nursing

Technology has changed the field of nursing in various ways. This has been made possible by incorporation of various technological tools in daily nursing routines. For instance, Bailey (2021) suggests that the incorporation of technologies such as mobile apps has improved access of medical professionals by patients. For this reason, nurses can more conveniently engage patients. In addition, use of mobile apps helps reduce healthcare costs. This is more so the case given that they could help ensure that healthcare issues are identified earlier (Data, 2022). It would also be prudent to note that headsets and instant messaging apps improve how nurses communicate with their colleagues. This is especially the case given that the said apps makes coordination of care easier by reducing the time required to diagnose illnesses and access test results. Other technologies such as smart beds which are technology-enhanced are used by nurses in monitoring their patient’s vitals, movements, and weight which prevents misdiagnoses, injuries, and bedsores. Nurses also use EMRs to seamlessly access important patient information. This eliminates or reduces the use of cumbersome paperwork.

While the use of diverse technological tools has largely transformed nursing practice, it would be prudent to note that the incorporation of the said tools may have some shortfalls. For instance, use of telehealth devices removes the human interaction between patients and nurses. As a consequence, patient care may lack empathy. There are also plenty of opportunities for miscommunications on this front (Data, 2022). According to Pomplio (2019), incorporation of telehealth devices in nursing may also have various disadvantages which are inclusive of, but they are not limited to; industrial and regulatory barriers, security breaches, technical problems, and limited physical interaction/examination. The author further suggest that technological tools may be prone to power outages and malfunctioning which could negatively impact care quality.