
Digital health, safety protocols, and online education in modern nursing
Technology has the potential to have a positive impact on patient care. As healthcare evolves rapidly, the nursing sector finds itself at the forefront of change.The healthcare industry has embraced innovative approaches and technologies resulting from enhanced patient care. From the rise of digital health apps to implementing new safety procedures, nurses are adapting to new challenges and opportunities like never before.
This change reflects the ongoing transformation in healthcare delivery because of the growing need for and the availability of new technology. New technology has meant that nurses and other medical professionals can reach and treat patients who were previously out of reach.
Thanks to online education and training that is increasingly becoming available, nurses now have more opportunities than ever before to expand their knowledge and skills. In this article, we explore the latest advancements in healthcare and how nurses leverage technology and innovation to improve healthcare outcomes.
How do digital health technologies affect health?
To begin with, digital health technology has been around for over two decades. Starting with the digitization of medical records, it has progressed into digital health apps and now encompasses health on the cloud, accessible anytime, anywhere. Technology includes many innovations that revolutionize healthcare delivery and improve efficiency, accuracy, and patient outcomes. One notable example is the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). IoMT connects medical devices and applications to health IT systems through networking technologies. This technology enables telemedicine, intelligent sensors, and remote patient monitoring to enhance communication between patients and healthcare providers.
Wearables and beyond
It does all this while still reducing exposure to contagious diseases. Other notable examples of digital health technology include MHealth, Blockchain-based Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), and Augmented Reality (AR). MHealth typically includes wearables and mobile apps. It is another rapidly growing field with technologies that provide access to healthcare support and monitoring. This digital health technology is particularly beneficial for managing chronic conditions. Wearables now offer advanced features like heart rate variability, pulse oximetry, and continuous glucose monitoring.
These offerings blur the lines between consumer and medical devices. The demand for these devices surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting their importance in personal health management. Blockchain-based Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) are transforming data management in healthcare by improving access to patient information, enhancing data quality, and promoting interoperability. Key Blockchain features make it an attractive option for digital healthcare systems, including data security, privacy, and scalability. Artificial intelligence (AI) also plays a crucial role in healthcare by automating tasks and augmenting decision-making processes. AI-based patient monitoring tools provide real-time reports to healthcare providers.
Benefits of health technologies
These real-time reports allow for timely interventions. And in medical imaging, AI reduces the number of manual steps required and provides context-based recommendations. It is worth noting that AI-driven digital twins simulate medical devices and patients to offer insights into device performance under various conditions. Augmented Reality (AR) integrates digital information into the user’s environment. This way, the technology benefits patient and doctor education, surgical visualization, and disease simulation. AR enhances learning and improves surgical outcomes by providing real-time guidance and visualizations.
Perhaps the only concern that remains is the patient’s safety. Big Data derived from various health systems and applications offers immense potential, but ensuring data privacy, security, and interoperability remains a significant challenge in the digital health landscape. The good news is that solid steps are being taken to enhance patient care and safety.
How information technology enhances patient care and safety
There are massive strides that innovations in digital health technology have made when it comes to enhancing patient care and safety. Some of the most notable improvements include the following:
Reducing medication errors
Minimizing medication errors is a critical aspect of patient safety. Here’s where the use of information technology is more pronounced.
Thanks to technologies like electronic prescribing systems, now healthcare providers are able to prescribe medications directly from a computer or mobile device. This significantly reduces the risk of misinterpretation and illegible handwriting.
These systems also integrate clinical decision support tools which alert clinicians to potential drug interactions, allergies, or dosage errors before prescriptions are finalized. What’s more, electrical services like electronic medication administration records (eMARs) ensure accurate medication administration by tracking doses and documenting administration times in real time. This is key in preventing errors like missed doses or double dosing.
Reducing adverse drug reactions
Information technology contributes to the prevention of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), which are a leading cause of patient harm. Technologies like Electronic Health Records (EHRs) for example centralize patient information to allow healthcare providers easy access to comprehensive medication histories, including previous adverse reactions, allergies, and medication sensitivities.
Integration with clinical decision support systems ensures that healthcare professionals are best placed to make informed prescribing decisions, taking into consideration individual patient factors and potential drug interactions. Also, electronic surveillance systems can monitor patients for signs of adverse reactions in real time. These too facilitate early intervention and mitigation strategies.
Improving compliance with practice guidelines
Information technology makes it easier for healthcare providers to adhere to evidence-based practice guidelines to optimize patient care and outcomes. Clinical decision support systems embedded within EHRs offer real-time guidance to clinicians.
These advancements ensure adherence to established treatment protocols and best practices. These systems also provide alerts and reminders for preventive screenings, vaccinations, and recommended treatments, which prompts timely interventions and preventive measures.
Also, electronic health records facilitate data-driven quality improvement initiatives by enabling the collection and analysis of clinical data, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing targeted interventions to enhance patient care delivery.
Technology supports and improves nursing education and practice
For any nurse who wishes to stay updated with the latest advancements in healthcare, continuous education cannot take the back seat. Other than enhancing their clinical skills, knowledge, and critical thinking, continuous education also supports better patient care outcomes.
Also, ongoing education ensures nurses adhere to best practices and professional standards which ultimately enhances the quality of healthcare delivery. Here’s where innovative technologies become useful once more. These advancements which encompass virtual reality (VR), simulations, and online learning platforms offer unique benefits.
Virtual reality
Take virtual reality (VR) for example. This technology immerses nursing students in realistic scenarios so they’re able to interact freely with virtual patients. This technology facilitates not just the assessment; it also ensures that care and intervention of patients can be done in a safe, controlled environment. For instance, VR simulations can simulate emergency room settings to enable students to practice triaging patients and making critical decisions.
It doesn’t end there though. VR can simulate complex procedures like surgery to provide students with a hands-on learning experience without the risk associated with real-life scenarios. With VR, the overarching goal is to enhance students’ clinical skills, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities.
Simulations
Simulation-based nursing education offers hands-on training in nursing education. This typically ranges from basic tasks to complex medical scenarios.
High-fidelity manikins, for example, can replicate various medical conditions. In this regard, they provide students with realistic patient interaction, so they are able to practice clinical skills, like administering medication, performing CPR, and managing patient care.
Also, simulations prepare students for real-life situations. This way, they enhance the student’s confidence and competence in clinical practice. The incorporation of simulations into nursing education ensures that students can refine their skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Online learning
Online learning platforms have also massively transformed nursing education by providing access to many resources. These platforms offer e-books, research articles, and multimedia presentations, enabling students to learn independently.
And the best part is that online platforms facilitate remote learning, meaning students can now access course materials and interact with instructors from anywhere. The continual development of mobile phones and mobile apps has facilitated online learning.
The rise in online education has meant new ways for people to study further, including those who wish to change their professions. Those wishing to change their profession and become a nurse can enroll in accelerated nursing programs online, such as the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) offered by Wilkes University. The ABSN program is designed to allow people to graduate as nurses in around 15 months, comprising a comprehensive curriculum that allows students to complete their nursing education in a shorter timeframe than traditional programs.
Technology in workload, job satisfaction, and patient care
To satisfy the ever-increasing demand for nurses, technologies like AI, robotics, and telemedicine are continually being integrated into nursing practice to improve healthcare delivery. Robotics and AI alleviate nurses from repetitive tasks.
Workload
This way they allow them to now focus on patient care. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of these technologies, with robots administering treatment in high-risk situations.
And, as mentioned earlier, artificial intelligence plays a key role in health monitoring and diagnosis. Good examples of AI integration are the AI-driven apps which are being actively used in tracking vital signs, detecting early warning signs of illness, and helping in personalizing treatment plans.
Also, AI expedites data analysis from scans, an improvement which leads to faster and more accurate diagnoses. There are also telepresence robots which complement telemedicine by providing a physical presence for remote consultations.
These robots are equipped with cameras and microphones which enable doctors and nurses to interact with patients from afar, using AI to analyze patient cues for potential health issues. There are also robot companions which offer companionship and support to patients, especially those in isolation or with conditions like dementia.
And in rehabilitation, robotics assist nurses in lifting and carrying patients. This promotes patient independence and also speeds up recovery. Exoskeletons and physically assistive robots aid individuals with mobility impairments in performing daily activities to encourage greater autonomy.
Job satisfaction
Thanks to these integrations, the impacts of technology on nursing workload, job satisfaction, and patient care are huge. One key effect is the reduction of the nursing workload through the implementation of innovative technologies like rehabilitation robots which assist nurses in lifting and carrying patients.
There are also technologies like AI which streamline administrative tasks like documentation and scheduling, so nurses have all the time and space to focus more on direct patient care. What’s more, technology enhances job satisfaction by improving the quality-of-care processes.
Now, nurses can access real-time patient data. With easy access to these important pieces of data, nurses are now best placed to make more informed decisions and offer personalized care plans. This not only improves job satisfaction but also contributes to better patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Patient care
Patient care is another area that is significantly enhanced through technology. For instance, digital health apps and telehealth services allow for remote monitoring and consultations.
As you probably know, these advancements allow easy access to care and also reduce hospital admissions. And the best part? Technology improves patient safety by reducing errors in medication administration and ensuring accurate patient identification.
It doesn’t end there still. Technology also helps prevent staff burnout by automating repetitive tasks and providing support in critical decision-making processes. This allows nurses to focus on complex patient needs, something which leads to higher job satisfaction and retention rates.
Closing Thoughts
Innovative technologies continue to disrupt healthcare systems by offering new opportunities to improve efficiency and patient outcomes. As healthcare organizations embrace digital transformation, nurses must adapt to new technologies that require ongoing training and support.
It is also worth pointing out that despite the challenges that may come with implementing these technologies, the overall impact of technology on nursing is undeniably positive. It is continually paving the way for a more efficient, effective, and patient-centered healthcare system.