DiversityNursing Blog

Technology is rapidly evolving to support and enhance the role of Nurses. As the backbone of patient care, Nurses face a demanding and ever-changing environment. From managing complex patient needs to coordinating care across multidisciplinary teams, their responsibilities are vast and varied. Fortunately, advancements in technology are providing valuable tools to streamline their work, reduce stress, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. Here’s a look at some of the key ways hospitals are leveraging technology to support their Nursing workforce:

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and Mobile Documentation

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have revolutionized the way patient information is documented and accessed. Mobile EHR platforms allow Nurses to update patient records in real time, directly from the bedside. This reduces the time spent on paperwork, minimizes errors associated with manual documentation, and ensures all healthcare providers have immediate access to accurate patient information. With streamlined documentation, Nurses can spend more time providing direct patient care, which enhances the overall patient experience.

Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS)

Clinical Decision Support Systems are advanced tools designed to assist Nurses and other healthcare professionals in making informed decisions. By analyzing patient data and comparing it to a vast database of clinical knowledge, CDSS can provide evidence-based recommendations and alerts for potential issues such as drug interactions or deteriorating patient conditions. This technology helps Nurses make quicker, more accurate decisions, improving patient safety and care quality.

Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring

Telemedicine has become a component of modern healthcare, especially in providing access to care in remote or underserved areas. For Nurses, telemedicine platforms facilitate virtual consultations, reducing the need for physical patient visits and allowing them to manage more patients efficiently. Remote monitoring technologies, such as wearable devices that track vital signs, enable Nurses to keep a close watch on patients' health from a distance. This capability is especially valuable for managing chronic conditions and post-operative care, reducing the burden on healthcare facilities and allowing for more personalized patient management.

Automated Medication Dispensing

Medication administration plays a crucial role in Nursing care, with any errors potentially having severe consequences. Automated medication dispensing systems help in reducing medication errors by ensuring the correct medication is administered to the right patient at the right time. These systems are equipped with barcode scanning and real-time verification processes, which not only streamline medication administration but also minimize the risk of human error. By automating these routine tasks, Nurses can allocate more time to patient interactions and less to manual checks.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is increasingly being implemented to manage repetitive administrative tasks. By automating these routine tasks, hospitals can empower Nurses to focus on more critical aspects of patient care. RPA also plays a vital role in reducing burnout and job dissatisfaction by alleviating the administrative workload on Nursing staff.

Some common automated tasks can include:

• Scheduling and registration
• Discharge management
• Invoice and payment management
• Data entry
• Data analytics and report generation
• Inventory ordering
• Regulatory compliance and audit
• Claims management
  
  

Advanced Simulation Training

Simulation technology has emerged as a valuable tool for Nursing education and training. High-fidelity simulators allow Nurses to hone their skills in a controlled setting that replicates real-life scenarios. This hands-on approach fosters confidence and expertise, equipping Nurses to handle a variety of clinical situations without jeopardizing actual patient care. Additionally, simulation training provides avenues for ongoing learning and skill enhancement, aiding Nurses in upholding their professional competency.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Predictive Analytics

Artificial Intelligence and predictive analytics are revolutionizing patient care approaches. AI algorithms can analyze extensive data to forecast patient outcomes, detect potential complications, and enhance care plans. For Nurses, this equates to accessing actionable insights for informed patient care decisions and increased overall efficiency. AI-powered tools also aid in recognizing patterns and trends, leading to more proactive and preventive care strategies.

Technology is revolutionizing the Nursing and healthcare landscape. By incorporating cutting-edge tools and systems, hospitals are not only improving patient care but also providing unprecedented support to their Nursing staff. From easing administrative tasks to offering advanced training and decision-making resources, technology is empowering Nurses to fulfill their roles more efficiently and with increased job satisfaction. As these technologies advance, the future of Nursing will see even more transformative breakthroughs that enhance care quality and the working environment for nurses.

Although technology could never replace compassion and human interaction, it can significantly improve and streamline processes and procedures to ensure patients receive the best quality care. Healthcare technologies can make patient care better, easier, and more efficient, especially with a large patient load. Here are some current healthcare technologies you should get to know to help better provide Nursing care to your patients.

Telehealth

Telehealth has become a buzzworthy topic in the healthcare community. Telehealth has been gaining popularity for years but was significantly accelerated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth services enable Nurses to interact with patients, assess their symptoms and conditions, provide instructions for care, and offer support, all without being physically present with their patients.  

One of the many benefits of telehealth is it can enhance access to healthcare for individuals living in remote or rural communities or those with limited mobility. It also significantly reduces travel time and patient expenses, improves care coordination, and allows Nurses to reach a larger patient population.

Wearable Medical Devices

Wearable medical devices offer Nurses new tools to enhance patient care and monitoring. These devices can wirelessly transmit patient information such as vital signs, blood sugars, and ECG patterns to Nurses to quickly analyze and interpret the data. Wearable medical devices offer valuable data in real-time, enhance the patient experience, and help Nurses deliver quality patient care to all patients regardless of their geographical location.  

Electronic Health Records

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have revolutionized how Nurses manage patient information and care. EHRs are digital versions of patient medical records containing comprehensive information about medical and health history, current diagnoses, medications, treatments, and other relevant medical data to help you provide better patient care.  

EHRs have streamlined documentation for Nurses to document patient information which, as a result, reduces the need for physical storage space, eliminates handwriting legibility issues, and provides a structured documentation format.

Point of Care Technology

Point-of-care technology (POCT) refers to medical devices and technologies that enable Nurses to access and utilize patient information and perform diagnostic testing while providing care directly at the bedside or point of care. Point-of-care technologies used by Nurses can include mobile devices like smartphones and tablets that allow access to EHRs, medication databases, clinical references, and communication platforms to communicate with healthcare team members.

Nurses often utilize other hand health point-of-care technologies like digital thermometers, pulse oximeters, portable EKG machines, portable ultrasound, and blood sugar monitors. POCT improves efficiency, accuracy, and patient outcomes by enabling Nurses to access important information, perform testing and get rapid results, and deliver care directly at the bedside, which promotes patient engagement.  

Patient Portals

Patient portals are online platforms that allow patients to access their health information, communicate with healthcare providers, and engage in their care. Nurses can use patient portals to educate patients, communicate with patients, and coordinate care. We can foster a collaborative and patient-centered approach when Nurses utilize patient portals and other mobile health apps to connect with patients.

The Impact of Technology on the Nursing Profession

As technological advancements evolve, Nurses must continuously learn to adapt and acquire new skills. There are numerous advantages for Nurses who utilize healthcare technology, including faster communication, increased efficiency, improved access to patient information, and reduced Nurse burnout. Nurses who stay informed and embrace developing technology can help lead the way toward a brighter future for the Nursing profession.

Technology continues to revolutionize healthcare and we have entered an exciting new frontier of state-of-the-art gadgets and high-tech communication systems. Some of these changes are made possible by our growing ability to utilize big data to improve outcomes through the field of health informatics; others by awe-inspiring advancements in medical science, telecommunications, and even robotics.

Vein Finding Tool

EchoNous Vein is designed for Nurses inserting peripheral IV catheters by providing an immediate and clear image of veins using just two-button controls. The easy-to-use device also includes optimized settings for use with adults and pediatrics.

“As it is often times the first interaction a patient has with care providers, a failed IV insertion not only holds up care from the beginning, but can impact a patient’s HCAHPS satisfaction survey. For both adults and pediatrics, our new vein finding tool was designed to help reduce ‘hard sticks’ and improve patient satisfaction,” said Kevin Goodwin, CEO of EchoNous. “Critical care Nurses understand the value of not only quickly locating a vein, but receiving reliable information about vessel quality, so we look forward to hearing their direct feedback how our vascular access tool does both, with the ease of a few on-screen touches.”

Stethee ‘smart’ stethoscope

The newly launched, FDA-cleared Stethee Pro features technology to capture and analyze heart and lung sounds and data via Bluetooth, operating around smartphone applications for both Apple iOS and Google Android devices.

“The Stethee system has the potential to transform healthcare. We are on the forefront of a new era in healthcare driven by artificial intelligence and its ability to significantly improve our ability to care for patients. This innovative technology can significantly help drive efficiency and productivity and empower healthcare providers worldwide by providing real time data and clinical interpretation" Dr. John Sperling of the Mayo Clinic said in a press release.

chip monitors blood sugar levels

The company Admetsys has created a solution that can constantly monitor blood sugar levels in real time. Its artificial intelligence algorithm then triggers its software to either administer glucose or insulin via the drip that a patient is connected to. The drip is connected to a screen. The screen shows the metrics for the patient.

"It is a laboratory on a chip. This is what will be able to replace what is in the laboratory," Timothy Valk, co-founder of Admetsys, told CNBC.

"This device was suggested by Nurses. The Nurses' workload is astronomical. They need to be doing other things that are more appropriate for them, than running in and manually doing a glucose or drawing blood, their time is costly," Valk said.

patient monitoring system reducing fall rates

Hospitals are implementing the AvaSys TeleSitter video-observation system to improve patient safety and lower staffing costs.

"The thing I was really skeptical about was, will this make a difference? But the [system] really does work in 99 percent of the cases. It's amazing when you see it in action" said Terry Olinger, President of the Hospitals and Clinics Acute Care Group at Benefis Health System.

The AvaSys room unit is offered in three options. A mobile cart, a portable wall-mounted unit or a permanent ceiling unit.  It lets a single monitor technician keep tabs via video on up to 12 patient rooms from a command center. The command center is located at Benefis in the patient flow center. The monitor tech can use the two-way audio to immediately intervene when a patient is at risk of self-harm, such as a fall. The monitor tech can talk to the patient to verbally redirect them. If the situation is emergent, the tech can activate an alarm and a Nurse will know to get there right away. Overall, AvaSys helps improve staffing efficiencies by allowing Nursing assistants to stay on the floor instead of watching patients 1:1.

Scheduling and staffing technology built for nurses, by nurses

Joe Novello is a Registered Nurse and wanted to create a scheduling solution specifically focused on the needs of his peers. So he founded NurseGrid in 2013.

With NurseGrid, Nurses are able to digitally “raise their hand” so hospital managers know they’re available for extra work, or they can signal that they’re not looking for shifts.

There are other companies in the Nurse scheduling space, including McKesson, Cerner Clairvia and GE Healthcare Centricity. Novello says the other products began as online software then moved to mobile, while NurseGrid was developed as a mobile app and has a better interface. His product also provides real-time shift changes, while other software is focused on time keeping and building schedules.

The future of Mobile Devices

Key findings from The Future of Healthcare: 2022 Hospital Vision Study

• By 2020, usage of mobile devices is expected to grow by 40 percent for all hospital workers.
• 98 percent of alarms or alerts from patient monitoring equipment, electronic health records (EHRs) and biomedical devices will be accessed through a mobile device by 2022.
• In four years, 91 percent of Nurses could access EHR, medical and drug database references (92 percent), and lab diagnostic results (88 percent) using a mobile device.
• The use of mobile technologies could reduce 46 percent of preventable medical errors and care issues caused by the breakdown of communication by 2022.
• 77 percent of patients reported positive feelings toward clinicians using mobile devices in their care.
• 95 percent of patients are willing to share electronic health metrics with clinicians.

3D printing

In medicine and healthcare, 3D printing could not only revolutionize drug creation and the production of medical equipment, but it could also offer new methods for practicing medicine, optimizing supply chains, and propose cheaper and more personalized medical services. So what are some good examples? Let's take a look.

Ian McHale, a senior at the US Steinert High School created a blueprint for producing finger splints.

Prosthetics and implants can be 3D printed. Dutch surgeons replaced the entire top of a 22 year–old woman’s skull with a customized printed implant made from plastic.

Scott Summit 3D printed a cast for himself, becoming perhaps the first patient ever to have a shower with a cast on, but without a bunch of plastic bags wrapped around it. His physician could open and close the cast in seconds and it still held his wrist tightly. And it cost Scott around 50 dollars and a few hours to create.

A network of volunteers called the e-NABLING the Future project, share 3-D printing designs, video tutorials and other information about building prosthetic hands which enables volunteers, Doctors, Nurses or anyone in the field to make a difference by literally “giving a helping hand” to those in need.

Researchers at Harvard University were the first to use a custom–built 3D printer and a dissolving ink to create a swatch of tissue that contains skin cells interwoven with structural material that can potentially function as blood vessels in the future.

James Yoo at the Wake Forest School of Medicine in the US as well as researchers at the University of Madrid have developed the prototype of a 3D printer that can create synthetic skin. It is adequate for transplanting to patients, who suffered burn injuries or have other skin issues.

Organovo successfully bioprinted liver tissues already in 2014. They seemed to be 4-6 years away from printing liver parts for transplantation. Bioprinted livers could also be used in the pharmaceutical industry to replace animal models for analyzing the toxicity of new drugs. A few months ago, Organovo launched its second commercial product, bioprinted human kidney tissue. The company suggests that within a decade we will be able to print solid organs such as liver, heart, and kidney.

Last year, the FDA approved an epilepsy drug called Spritam that is made by 3D printers. It prints out the powdered drug layer by layer to make it dissolve faster than average pills.

The technological advancements happening in healthcare today are truly life changing for both providers and patients. Whether it's a 3D printer creating a model of a person's heart, or a chip monitoring a certain disease, there's no doubt the future of medicine is heading in an exciting direction. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas on medical advancements.

When it comes to healthcare, technology is not only convenient, but also life-saving. It is also constantly changing. We compiled a list of tech trends you should expect to see in the near future.

telehealth

Telehealth is the use of digital information and communication technologies, such as computers and mobile devices, to access health care services remotely and patients can manage their health care. They can use an online patient portal to see their test results, schedule appointments, request prescription refills or email their doctor. 

Virtual appointments enable them to see their doctor or Nurse via online live video. These appointments let them receive ongoing care when an in-person visit isn't required or possible. These web-based "visits" can also be used for minor illnesses, similar to the services available at a drop-in clinic. 

Health care chat bots

Chat bots can help patients with a number of things such as book appointments, remind them to take their pills or assist them in refilling their prescriptions. Here are a few examples of health care chat bots and what they do.

• Florence — this chatbot Nurse tells patients to take their medicine, gives them instructions if they forgot to take a pill, monitors their health (and periods for women) and can help them find specialists and book appointments in their area.
• Your. MD — it replaces the assistant of a GP, asks about symptoms and puts enough questions approved by health professionals to identify a condition probabilistically then sets up appointments, referring patients to physicians.
• Safedrugbot — this messaging app helps doctors take notice of possible side effects of drugs during breastfeeding and helps to keep mothers safe.
• Babylon Health — another conversational healthcare assistant with the feature of booking a doctor.
• SimSensei — still in its experimental phase, it uses voice and face recognition to mimic a therapist, also interacting with the patient at deeper levels.
  
  

Smart Beds

Smart beds are continuing to gain popularity. For example, the Stryker S3 bed is a popular acute care/MedSurg that many hospitals use currently. The Stryker safety solution is called iBed. iBed allows the user to set up conditions for the settings on the bed and if the bed is set outside those parameters, visual indicators notify the user that the bed must be put back to the safest condition for that patient. Also, the beds are set up to be wireless, removing the need to remember to plug the bed into the wall and no more damaged 37-pin connectors. The bed is loaded with sensors including weight, brake, rails, and head-of-bed angle. This makes bed related patient safety easy requiring very little upkeep.

Patient and Staff identification systems

Patient and staff identifiers in the hospital setting have become increasingly important in light of patient mix-ups and unauthorized people entering a facility or accessing patient records.

According to an article by Americanmobile.com, "Bar codes, wristbands and radio frequency identification (RFID), all work to track and identify patients in an effort to reduce errors while also keeping the hospital population safe. New palm vein technology, eye scans and microchips have also been introduced as a way to identify both patients and healthcare professionals, and to cut down on unauthorized access to patient files."

Digital Patient Room Whiteboards

Interactive Digital Whiteboards integrate with a hospital’s real-time location services. It provides patients with their daily schedule, introduces staff as they walk into the room and logs which clinicians visited the patient.

According to NewYork-Presbyterian, "patient electronic boards digitize and improve upon traditional whiteboards. Instead of requiring providers to erase and re-write any new information, the boards integrate with the patient’s Electronic Medical Record (EMR) data to display any updates as they happen. Patients and providers can immediately see accurate pain scores, fall risks, and scheduled tests, and family members can see important phone numbers. The boards display data visually wherever possible, including pictures of a patient’s entire care team in real time.

Cloud Computing

Personalized medicine

How do you feel about the impact technology has on healthcare? Do you use any of these in your work place? If so, do you think it positively or negatively effects your work? Please share your comments below!