Emerging Technology In Nursing

Introduction

The computer has revolutionized the nursing profession and its applications for patient care delivery has really brought significant changes to the practice of nursing and nursing care provided to patients in recent decades. In the same line, science has bestowed health care delivery with the excellent technological innovations such as computerization of the entire health care delivery system. Nurses therefore need to be skilled in the use of computer technology and other technological equipment. This review critically analyses the article ‘The Impact of Emerging Technology on Nursing Care: Warp Speed Ahead’ in the Online Journal of Issues in Nursing (OJIN).

In this write up, I will summarize the article to be reviewed, with

Showcasing the caring aspects of nursing in a technologically dominated world is challenging (Cipriani and Hamer, 2013). Technology enables care and enhances safety by automating functions both simple and complex. The value of technology hinges on how it’s used and whether it helps or hinders care (Cipriani and Hamer, 2013). In a study conducted by Bolton (2008) in the United States of America, findings revealed that nurses believe that technology can reduce waste and workflow inefficiency and enable nurses to provide safe, reliable, quality patient care. The American Academy of Nursing’s Workforce Commission also recognized the importance of effective technologies in improving the safety and efficiency of care and in helping to return time to nurses for essential care (American Society of registered nurses

Now there is a significant factor in the nursing profession and healthcare systems that is evident; the transition to electronic documentation.

While the patient is always the top priority, sometimes technology gets in the way of hands-on therapeutic care because updating medical records, documenting the administration of medications, and noting any nurse interventions adds up to many hours clicking on the keyboards of a computer per week (Cole, 2015).

Computerization has contributed enormously towards the reduction of medical errors and the problems associated with such errors by providing timely access to client information and by assisting nurses with client monitoring, decision making and bedside documentation. One leadership skill set that is increasingly recognized as critical for nurses in the 21st century is the ability to use technology which facilitates mobility as well as relationships, interactions, and operational processes (Huston,