What Technology Tools Are Invaluable in Nursing?
In the fast-paced world of nursing, technology is a pivotal ally, as showcased by insights from a Supervisor in Clinical Informatics on how smartphones have become essential in enhancing patient care. Alongside expert perspectives, we've gathered additional tech tools that nurses find indispensable. From electronic health records to handheld medication scanners, discover the technological innovations that are transforming the daily work of nursing.
- Smartphones Enhance Patient Care
- EHRs Support Coordinated Care
- Portable Devices Continuously Monitor Vitals
- Telehealth Expands Care Accessibility
- Medical Calculators Ensure Precise Dosages
- Handheld Scanners Minimize Medication Errors
Smartphones Enhance Patient Care
Smartphones in healthcare are the technology that I feel is invaluable today, even though we have many challenges getting all of the hardware, network, and software working together.
I’ve been fortunate to have worked with a Data General handheld device and performed point-of-care documentation in the late 1990s. We could only select one response per query or enter numerical values for intake and output. Now, we scan barcodes, document medication and IV administration, and embed wound photos in our notes. We can see pertinent patient information, such as code status, allergies, and provider information, as well as the latest lab results.
We have access to websites, website calculators, apps for secure texting, and links to our policy and procedures. In a sense, our patient’s chart and multiple references are in our hands, wherever we are, whenever we need it.
EHRs Support Coordinated Care
Electronic health records (EHRs) have become a cornerstone in modern healthcare, providing a clear, organized platform for tracking all aspects of patient care. With these records, healthcare professionals have immediate access to patient histories, test results, and previous treatments, which allows for informed decision-making. EHRs also support better coordination between different departments and specialists, ensuring that everyone involved in a patient's care is up to date with the latest information.
They reduce the occurrence of medical errors by avoiding the confusion that can come with handwritten notes. These systems are designed to improve the safety and quality of patient care, so consider exploring electronic health records to experience the benefits of digital medical data management.
Portable Devices Continuously Monitor Vitals
Portable monitoring devices are changing the face of patient care by allowing nurses to track patients' vitals such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation levels continuously. This constant monitoring is crucial for patients who are critically ill or at risk of developing complications, as it enables prompt interventions when needed. By having this information at their fingertips, nurses can respond more swiftly to changes in a patient's condition, potentially saving lives.
The portability factor means that patients can remain mobile and comfortable without being confined to a bed for monitoring. To enhance patient care and safety, consider integrating portable monitoring devices into your healthcare practice.
Telehealth Expands Care Accessibility
The advent of telehealth platforms has markedly expanded the reach of healthcare services. Nurses can now engage in consultations with patients who are located remotely, bringing medical advice to those who might otherwise have limited access to healthcare. Telehealth services are particularly beneficial during times when in-person visits pose a greater risk, such as during an infectious disease outbreak.
These platforms can also be a boon for patient education, allowing nurses to instruct patients on managing their conditions at home. Start leveraging the capabilities of telehealth services to bring healthcare to patients beyond the hospital walls.
Medical Calculators Ensure Precise Dosages
Medical calculators are invaluable tools that assist nurses in ensuring precise dosages for medications. These specialized calculators take the guesswork out of complex formulas and patient-specific variables like weight, age, and kidney function. By utilizing these calculators, nurses can administer drugs with confidence, knowing that patients are receiving amounts tailored to their individual needs.
This precision is especially critical when dealing with high-risk medications or in pediatric care, where accurate dosing can dramatically affect outcomes. Nurses should take advantage of medical calculators to promote the highest standards of medication safety and efficacy.
Handheld Scanners Minimize Medication Errors
Handheld scanners significantly expedite the medication administration process, all while minimizing human error. These scanners work by verifying that the medication being administered matches the prescription on the patient's electronic healthcare record, ensuring the right drug, dose, and timing. In addition to enhancing patient safety, handheld scanners streamline the workflow for nurses, allowing them to be more efficient with their time.
This technology supports adherence to the 'five rights' of medication administration: right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, and right time. Implementing handheld scanners could be a game-changer, safeguarding against medication errors, so consider adopting this technology for safer nursing practices.