Using Advancements in Technology to Drive Change in Nursing Healthcare

Introduction

Over the years, advancements in technology have transformed the medical field. Emerging technologies in healthcare, such as telehealth and electronic record-keeping, have enabled patients to access their data more than before (WGU, 2022). Also, it has allowed nurses to improve efficiency and communicate effectively. The paper aims to evaluate medical devices, develop an education plan, and identify and communicate with stakeholders responsible for technology advancements necessary to drive change.

Technologies and medical devices

The following are technologies and medical devices used in health care organizations; electronic health records (EHR), artificial intelligence, telehealth and apps, automated IV pumps, and portable monitors.

Electronic Health Records (EHR) is technology advancement in healthcare that replaces traditional paper filling methods (WGU, 2022). It allows health care providers to document patients’ data electronically. The information or data can be accessed by both patients and health care providers, which is used in prioritizing care and consultation (WGU, 2022). Also, EHR can inform healthcare providers on the possible further steps they need to take for a patient and monitor condition changes by dispatching information as reminders or alerts.

Automated IV pumps control the drips and dosages given to patients. Medical technology and software allow healthcare providers to automatically change and adjust the drip’s contents (WGU, 2022). Hospitals have different types of automated IV pumps, for example, The nutrition IV pump, which is used to give needed meals at the appropriate times. Also, there are self-pumps that patients can use to control pain medication individually.

Health professionals use portable monitor equipment to check on patients, even if they are not physically present (WGU, 2022). They monitor vital signs like oxygen saturation, ECG, heart rate, and respiratory rate while transmitting the findings to a central monitor. Also, the devices notify healthcare providers in case of an emergency or abnormal finding.

Advancement in technology has led to the development of telehealth in the healthcare system. Telehealth is a technology application that enables patients to virtually video chat with health care providers describing their symptoms and showing signs essential for diagnosing and treating a condition (WGU, 2022).

Wearable devices are technological innovations that are transforming the healthcare system positively. These devices are attached to individuals to track heart rate, sleep, exercise, and respiration (WGU, 2022). For example, the Steth IO smartphone stethoscope is an application that allows healthcare providers to get the breathing sounds and heart rates of patients on their phones. Moreso, it has increased the responsibility of individuals for their health.

Using Advancements in Technology to Drive Change in Nursing Healthcare

Often there have been errors and safety concerns associated with medical technologies and devices., there is a need to enhance medical devices and technology to eliminate mistakes and protect patients from potential harm. Studies recommend test case criteria, best practices, and sample test cases for electronic health records (WGU, 2022). The practice can help developers and health bodies identify and address EHR shortcomings and prevent patient harm.

Automated IV infusion pump malfunctioning can harm the patient. Malfunctions result from software defects, mechanical or electrical failures, and human interface issues (WGU, 2022). The problems can be managed by training personnel, software maintenance, keeping batteries charged, and a backup plan.

The biggest challenge for medical wearable and portable devices is limited battery space. Efficient battery use is essential for the device to run for a reasonable time frame. To address this issue, there is a need to adopt power-saving features, for example, the E-Ink display, which is crucial to extending the operating time for these devices (WGU, 2022). Similarly, health care providers should undergo extensive training and education to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of using the equipment.

Telehealth is associated with data insecurity. Like health workers, patients need training and education on data privacy measures when connecting WIFI network for a telehealth visit (WGU, 2022). They should ensure their information is only accessible to the required health provider(s). Additionally, the healthcare provider and health consumer should ensure an appropriate and strong network connection (Patientpop, 2022) before and during video chats. Controlling the lighting system in the room is essential for visibility for both patients and health workers. Finally, closing other programs is vital in eliminating possible distractions that might occur.

Technology change

The electronic health record is a technology application that has impacted healthcare positively. Studies recommend test case criteria, best practices, and sample test cases for electronic health records (WGU, 2022). This can help developers and health bodies identify and address EHR shortcomings and prevent patient harm. This will improve patient care, workflow, communication, and patient safety.

The benefit of technology is its potential to improve patients’ safety by communicating patient information in a legible format, easing patient data retrieval, and potentially decreasing medication errors (ACOG, 2022). Patient safety is achieved by using clinical flags and reminders, medication alerts, clinical decision support, better tracking, and the availability of complete and reliable patient data.

Technology is associated with data insecurity mainly through cyber-attacks. Patients’ data can be accessed by unauthorized personnel, which is against their rights. Informatics nurses can address the issue by training and educating patients and healthcare staff on privacy measures while operating the devices (Lord, 2022). Also, they can restrict access to data and other medical applications, implement data usage controls, encrypt data, mitigate connected device risks, conduct regular risk assessments and utilize off-site data backup.

The following are steps needed in technology change and implementation; investigation of new technology, assembling an implementation team, conducting a pilot program on technology, training the team to use new technology, and launching the technology (Kerl, 2022).

Investigation of new technology entails identifying its purpose and how it will solve problems or provide solutions to the existing inefficiencies in an organization (Kerl, 2022). The second step is assembling an implementation team responsible for championing the new technology, managing conflicting priorities, checking administrative details, and ensuring the new technology receives appropriate resources.

The third step is piloting. A program is essential to work out kinks and gain buy-in. It involves connecting the upcoming technology to the old ones and preparing the necessary process and resources for utilizing a new technology. The fourth step is training personnel on how to use new technology. It should be individualistic, catering to individuals’ learning needs and styles (Kerl, 2022). The last step is the launching of technology. It involves fine-tuning the technology devices to meet the needs of the organization.

Using Advancements in Technology to Drive Change in Nursing Healthcare

Informatics Nurse

The project requires a nursing informaticist with the following qualification. A minimum bachelor’s degree in nursing, technical solid skills for adapting emerging innovations and technologies, understanding of medical economics, leadership experience, strong interpersonal skills, clinical experience, and strong project management skills (Menkiena, 2022).

The first role of a nursing informaticist is to provide information about the technology change, its importance, and its applicability to the organization. Knowing the “why” behind the process is essential for adoption (Menkiena, 2022). The other roles are implementing new technology and procedures, designing workflows and managing systems, and discussions between developers and users.

The major challenge that is most likely to be experienced by the nursing informaticist while implementing technology is not getting everyone on board and inadequate staff training (Menkiena, 2022). Most people tend to resist or adapt slowly to new ideas due to the complexity, which can be addressed by proper training and mobilization.

Stakeholders

The stakeholders are board members, chief financial officer, health workers, and patients (Menkiena, 2022). The role of board members is to assist in making the decision and provide guidance and support to team members. The role of the Chief financial officer is to rely on the cost-effectiveness of the technology and how it will benefit the organization. Health workers are the users of the software system.

Education plan

The project stakeholders should at least have knowledge of computer packages and the internet. Training will majorly take place in webinars and reinforced with scheduled classes. Also, handouts will be available after every training session.

Communication

Following the inconvenience and inefficiency experienced with the use of traditional documentation methods, the organization has opted to shift from conventional documentation methods to the use of Electronic Health Records (EHR). We are expecting increased efficiency and effectiveness when documenting care. The change will start on 1 May 2022. In case of any concerns or questions, you should contact the organization’s communication Centre.

Summary

The following are technologies and medical devices used in health care organizations; electronic health records (EHR), artificial intelligence, telehealth and apps, automated IV pumps, and portable monitors. The efficiency and effectiveness of these devices can be improved by training and educating health workers on the use and maintenance techniques and methods

References

ACOG. (2022). Patient Safety and Health Information Technology. Acog.org. Retrieved 13 April 2022, from https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2015/01/patient-safety-and-health-information-technology#:~:text=Benefits%20of%20Health%20Information%20Technology,-Most%20obstetrician%E2%80%93gynecologists&text=The%20potential%20to%20improve%20patient,availability%20of%20complete%20patient%20data.

Kerl, K. (2022). 5 Steps to Successfully Implementing New Technology in the Workplace. Selectonellc.com. Retrieved 13 April 2022, from https://www.selectonellc.com/blog/introducing-new-technology-to-your-organization.

Lord, N. (2022). Healthcare Cybersecurity: Tips for Securing Private Health Data. Digital Guardian. Retrieved 13 April 2022, from https://digitalguardian.com/blog/healthcare-cybersecurity-tips-securing-private-health-data.

Menkiena, C. (2022). A Nurse Informaticist: 3 Essential Responsibilities. Health Catalyst. Retrieved 13 April 2022, from https://www.healthcatalyst.com/insights/nurse-informaticist-3-essential-responsibilities/.

Patientpop. (2022). 7 tips to improve telehealth technique at your healthcare practice. PatientPop. Retrieved 13 April 2022, from https://www.patientpop.com/blog/7-tips-to-improve-telehealth-technique-at-your-healthcare-practice/.

WGU. (2022). Seven Nursing Technologies Transforming Patient Care. Western Governors University. Retrieved 12 April 2022, from https://www.wgu.edu/blog/7-nursing-technologies-transforming-patient-care1903.html#close.