Technology in nursing includes a wide array of devices and methods that are used to impact nursing practice and patient care. From wearable devices and automated IV pumps to telehealth services and AI decision support, see how nursing is entering a new age to the benefit of patients.
Technology has reshaped every aspect of modern life, including the nursing profession. The origins of the modern nursing field would be nearly unrecognizable to a modern patient. Generations of medical professionals have developed technology in the quest for better patient outcomes and a higher overall standard of care. The sophisticated new tools and systems that have emerged have reshaped the nursing field and the patient experience alike, providing critical support in virtually every aspect of care.
The integration of technology in nursing represents a shift in how care is delivered and evaluated. As healthcare systems around the world face increasing pressures, including those linked to aging populations, technology offers solutions that can enhance the field and advance nursing practice. Technology in nursing is reshaping patient care, improving outcomes, and benefiting nurses and healthcare organizations. As a student in Concordia St. Paul’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, you will learn through an innovative program format while gaining experience in using emerging technologies.
The Role of Technology in Health Care
Historically, nursing was deeply rooted in manual practices, with a strong emphasis on the caregiver’s intuition, experience, and personal interactions with patients. Nurses relied heavily on their skills and observations to monitor patient conditions and administer care. As technology has advanced, the scope of nursing has expanded significantly.
The integration of technology in healthcare entails not only the addition of new tools or devices but also a fundamental shift in how care is delivered and managed. Technology gives patients greater access to their health information and more control over their care, while giving nurses the information they need to make informed decisions quickly. This leads to easier formulation and implementation of care plans.
New Patient Care Technologies
As the healthcare industry continues to develop, integrating emerging technologies into patient care remains vital. These technologies not only improve the precision and efficiency of healthcare delivery but also fundamentally change how nurses and other patient care team members interact with patients, manage care, and make critical decisions. This section explores several technological developments that are impacting patients and nurses alike. As a student in the ABSN program, you will likely encounter many of these technologies throughout the course of your in-person clinical learning.
Wearable Devices
Wearable medical devices are one of the most significant recent advancements in patient care technology. These devices, including smartwatches, fitness trackers, and specialized medical monitors, allow for the continuous monitoring of vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and glucose levels. Thus, these devices give medical professionals constant access to a large amount of patient data. This real-time data collection enables healthcare providers to detect potential health issues early, even before symptoms become apparent. For example, a wearable device can alert a patient and their healthcare team to irregular heart rhythms, prompting an immediate intervention that could prevent a more serious event such as a heart attack or stroke.
Automated IV Pumps
Automated IV pumps are revolutionizing the administration of medications and fluids in hospitals and clinics. These devices contain dose error reduction software, which references dosages against an institutional drug library and flags errors. Integrating these into patient care allows for the precise control of medication dosages, ensuring that patients receive the correct amount of medication. This precision is particularly important in critical care settings, where even minor deviations in dosage can have serious consequences.
In addition to improving the accuracy of medication delivery, automated IV pumps enhance the efficiency of nursing workflows. By partially automating the administration of IV medications, these devices free nurses to focus on other critical aspects of patient care.
Centralized Command Centers
Centralized command centers are becoming an increasingly important part of modern healthcare facilities. These centers use advanced technologies to monitor information across multiple locations in real time, enabling healthcare providers to coordinate how they manage care more effectively. For example, command centers can track patient vitals, bed occupancy, and supply inventory, allowing for rapid responses to emergencies and better decision-making. By providing real-time data on patient status and resource availability, these centers help users make informed decisions about staffing, bed allocation, and equipment usage. This optimization not only improves patient care but also reduces operational costs, making healthcare delivery more efficient.
Centralized command centers aid teamwork in nursing, one of the most crucial aspects of the field. See how teamwork is essential in meeting nursing goals.
Predictive Analytics
Predictive analytics is a powerful new tool that can identify how likely it is for something to occur based on previously collected data. In healthcare, predictive analytics can forecast patient outcomes by analyzing large datasets that include patient histories, treatment plans, and outcomes. For example, predictive models can identify patients at high risk of readmission, enabling healthcare providers to implement targeted interventions. This personalized approach can improve care and patient satisfaction by addressing specific health concerns and preferences. On the organizational level, predictive analytics can be used to make smarter staffing decisions in healthcare settings.
AI Decision Support
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the healthcare industry, particularly in the area of decision support. AI-driven tools can analyze vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, identifying patterns and aiding healthcare providers in making decisions. AI can assist in interpreting patient data, identifying potential risks, and recommending evidence-based interventions. Further research is required to make the most of this technology, but its usefulness in the healthcare sphere is already apparent.
Telehealth Services
Telehealth services have emerged as a high-profile use of technology in modern healthcare. These services reduce the need for in-person health care visits while allowing for more personalized care. Telehealth platforms allow nurses to track patient data, communicate with patients, and adjust their care plans as needed, all from a distance. Remote patient monitoring is especially valuable for managing chronic conditions, where regular check-ins and timely interventions are essential.
Through telehealth platforms, patients can consult with specialists and receive appropriate treatment and advice regardless of their location, leading to better health outcomes and greater patient satisfaction.
Advanced Imaging Techniques
Advanced imaging techniques, such as 3D imaging, MRI, and CT scans, have significantly improved the diagnostic capabilities of healthcare providers. These techniques provide highly detailed internal images of the body, allowing for more accurate and earlier diagnoses of conditions such as tumors, fractures, and vascular diseases. The ability to visualize the body in such detail enhances the accuracy of diagnoses, contributing to better treatment plans and patient outcomes.
Advanced imaging techniques can also reduce the need for invasive procedures. For example, rather than performing exploratory surgery to diagnose a condition, healthcare providers can use advanced imaging to obtain a clear picture of the problem. This non-invasive approach reduces patient risk, minimizes recovery time, and lowers healthcare costs.
Benefits of Nursing Technology And Innovation
The integration of technology and innovation in nursing has led to significant advancements in care quality, healthcare delivery, and the overall satisfaction of both patients and healthcare professionals. These technologies have transformed nursing from a primarily manual practice into a highly sophisticated, data-driven profession. This section explores the wide-ranging benefits of technology and innovation in nursing, focusing on the advantages for patients, nurses, and healthcare organizations.
Patient Benefits
One of the most profound impacts of technology in nursing is the improvement in patient outcomes. Technologies such as wearable medical devices, electronic health records, and advanced imaging techniques enable healthcare providers to monitor patient conditions more closely, detect issues earlier, and tailor treatments to individual needs. Wearable devices allow for the continuous monitoring of patients with chronic conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes. This can lead to early interventions when abnormalities are detected, preventing more serious health events and improving overall patient outcomes.
Technology has also significantly expanded patient access to healthcare, particularly for those who have mobility issues or live in rural or underserved areas. Telehealth services, for example, allow patients to consult with healthcare providers from their own homes, reducing the potential challenges of traveling and making healthcare more accessible.
Nurse Benefits
The incorporation of technology in nursing practice has significantly increased efficiency and streamlined workflows. Automated systems, such as computerized physician order entry and automated IV pumps, reduce the time nurses spend on routine tasks, allowing them to focus more on direct patient care. For example, automated IV pumps ensure precise medication delivery, freeing nurses from manual calculations and reducing the risk of errors (provided the institution’s drug library has been properly implemented). Electronic health records eliminate the need for manual record-keeping, allowing nurses to more quickly access and update patient information.
Centralized command centers and real-time data analytics tools help optimize resource allocation and patient management. These technologies allow nurses to monitor multiple patients simultaneously, prioritize care based on patient needs, and make data-driven decisions. This optimization not only improves patient care but also reduces the cognitive load on nurses, enabling them to manage their workloads more effectively. By improving efficiency and reducing manual workloads, technology helps decrease the stress and fatigue associated with nursing.
Just how difficult is nursing school? See what you should consider before taking on the challenge of earning a nursing degree.
Organizational Benefits
Technology-driven improvements in patient care directly translate into higher patient satisfaction and better health outcomes. Patients who receive timely, accurate, and personalized care are more likely to have positive experiences and outcomes. Higher patient satisfaction not only enhances the reputation of healthcare organizations but also contributes to better patient retention.
Ready to Earn a BSN?
The emergence of so many innovative technologies is transforming patient care by developing the capabilities of nurses and other healthcare providers and improving patient outcomes. From wearable medical devices to AI-driven decision support systems, these technologies are paving the way for more efficient, effective, and patient-centered healthcare systems.
If you are committed to becoming a nurse and making a difference in patients’ lives, contact us today and begin a conversation with an admissions advisor for CSP Global’s ABSN program. With locations in St. Paul, MN and Portland, OR, as well as start dates each January, May and September, it could be the perfect option for your nursing ambitions. During an initial conversation your advisor will help you review your options and start your accelerated nursing journey.