Samir Bhattacharjee, business head (Overseas & UK), Institute of Occupational Training Services (IOTS) emphasises that in order to enhance the quality of clinical practice and offer remote health assistance to people living in locations where healthcare facilities may not be accessible, nursing jobs have increased digitally
The quick advancements in technology, information, and communication in the disciplines of medicine, information, and healthcare are what are driving the digitization of healthcare systems.
Nurses have a vast number of day-to-day responsibilities, including collaborating with doctors and other healthcare team members, procuring medications or supplies, operating medical equipment and analyzing diagnostic exam results-all on top of caring for patients. In order to enhance the quality of clinical practice and offer remote health assistance to people living in locations where healthcare facilities may not be accessible, nursing jobs have increased digitally. Technology can assist nurses by making daily tasks easier and more effective, or in some situations, by completely completing a task.
Technological impact on nursing services
In the nursing industry, digital technology’s impact has grown. The use of tele-health and virtual healthcare services has become more prevalent as a result of healthcare digitisation, which includes robotic technology and artificial intelligence. Additionally, COVID-19 has heightened this specific response of dependence for more inclusive healthcare services due to issues with technology and nursing care. Small improvements made now will have a big impact afterwards. Let’s explore some digital technologies used in nursing.
- Moveable monitoring technology
With the help of portable monitors, nursing staff can check on patients whether they’re on the go or taking care of someone else. Portable devices feed data back to a central monitor while monitoring vital indicators such the ECG, respiration rates, and oxygen saturations. This means that if there is an emergency, nurses will receive an alarm warning. In most hospitals, nurses check the levels every hour. Even when there are many other things happening, portable monitoring technology enables nurses to track and record statistics at the appropriate time. The portable monitor can send alerts and alarms to nurses, potentially saving lives.
- Digital health records
Older paper filing techniques are being replaced by Electronic Health Records (EHR). Nursing professionals can record patient care in electronic health records and access data that can assist them prioritise treatment. Registered Nurses (RNs) can use digital health records to determine whether there are further steps they need to do for a patient, monitor minute changes in condition, and receive information quickly as alerts or reminders. Although RNs pick up computer skills on the job, their education and training will enable them to promptly comprehend the meaning of various symptoms on medical records and the best course of action to guarantee better patient outcomes.
- Electronic infusion pumps
The services provided by nurses are now simpler because of the introduction of automatic IV pumps. Nurses can alter the drip rates and drug dosages thanks to software and medical technology without having to wait for the patients. Nutritional IV pumps deliver required meals at the appropriate times. Self-pumps are another option that let patients raise their own controlled dosage of painkillers. An automated approach for changing medications also eliminates potential human error hazards for clinical patients and hospitals. Instead of having to measure and administer medication or meals, automated IV kits allow nurses to concentrate on other aspects of their jobs.
- Telemedicine
In medical centers, people can digitally video chat with a physician or nurse to explain their symptoms or to show them lumps or rashes. With no need to leave the comfort of their home, this aids patients in receiving a prompt diagnosis. They can receive medical advice, a prescription for medication, or find out if they need to visit for more testing or diagnosis. In a similar way, medical apps support patients and physicians as they try to enhance health. Patients’ vital signs can be checked by doctors and nurses even when they are not in the office. They may be used for general health and wellness or for more specialised medical issues like diabetes.
- Healthcare command centre
Centralised command centres are one of the newest concepts for hospitals and offer better patient experiences as well as better ways for nurses to manage resources, clinical technology, and capacity. This is accomplished with real-time updating software programmes like dashboards. The centre will assist with obtaining beds, particularly for seriously ill patients, and keep track of oxygen cylinder needs. Nurses and doctors can actively monitor availability of rooms, OR schedules, and what specific individuals still need before being released with shorter or absent delays between transfers of care. Everyone is able to work more effectively and assist patients better as a result.
You can discover how to prepare yourself for upcoming breakthroughs and innovations as a nurse by continuing your education in addition to helping you become more comfortable managing the technical needs of the developing healthcare business. Nurses can adapt along with the healthcare business as it develops with the aid of new technologies, improving patient care within the process.