The role of information technology (IT) in modern dynamic healthcare systems cannot be ignored. Computer technology has become an integral part of the healthcare industry. According to Allen (2011), nurses have been on the forefront to familiarize themselves with the new implementation of information systems in the healthcare sector in a bid to improve the delivery of patient care as well as the clinical standards. Without a doubt, technology has revolutionized the healthcare industry enabling healthcare professionals in addressing the ever-rising patient demands. Many view the role of information systems in the healthcare industry as a bridge that connects patients and nurses and that offers healthcare solutions to different patient needs. The advances in technology in the healthcare industry is now a global trend. The implementation of modern technologies in the healthcare industry has significantly changed contributed to the advancement of nursing care. However, the success of some of these modern technologies largely depends on the nurses’ level of training and skills.
New technology in the healthcare industry implies one thing; a new challenge for nurses. According to Pepito and Locsin (2018), to provide quality health care, additional training is essential for healthcare professionals to familiarize themselves with the new technology. The application of modern technology in nursing demands nursing competencies to effectively provide quality healthcare as well as to improve clinical standards. Generally, nursing training is critical when implementing new technology. As de Veer et al (2011) asserts, the introduction of new technologies in healthcare is purposely meant to solve nursing problems, reduce healthcare costs and to speed up delivery of healthcare services.
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Electronic charting is one of the recent technologies in the healthcare industry. This is a modern technology where nurses are trained on how to fill charts online as opposed to the traditional process where nurses used to it using pens and papers. Effective training on the use of electronic charts helps improve service delivery by bridging the communication gap between nurses and patients. Patients are able to access their medical information quickly via online portals.
Nurses are trained on how to use wireless patient monitoring systems. Traditionally, patient monitoring was done through frequent visits to the wards by the nursing care team. However, this method was not effective because patients could be monitored every minute. Sometimes, patients would fall from their beds and this would increase their risk of injuries and medical conditions. Today, technology has revolutionized the industry through the introduction of wireless patient monitoring systems. These are special devices that are used to monitor patients’ health progress. The devices are embedded in the patient’s beds, bedsheets or mattresses and they constantly alert nurses about patient health. Nurses are trained on how to effectively interpret patients’ data and offer standard care to improved their health outcomes. Nurses are also trained on how to use advanced nursing equipment such as dialysis machines that are used to diagnose cancer patients. Some of these equipment requires thorough training before use. Therefore, it is essential to provide comprehensive nursing training for the best healthcare results. Nurses ought to be taught how to read and interpret data and offer the best intervention.
Ideally, the application of modern technologies in healthcare is needed, but it may be a new challenge for nurses thus, training is essential. Training is critical, it helps nurses to familiarize with the new technology thus, improving healthcare delivery. Certainly, technology without proper training may not be as effective as expected.
References
Allen, A. (2011). Technology meets challenges, but training ensures success. Nursing management , 42 (12), 35-36.
Pepito, J. A. T., & Locsin, R. C. (2018). Can Nursing Drive Technological Advances in Healthcare in the Asia-Pacific? Asian/Pacific Island Nursing Journal , 3 (4), 190.
de Veer, A. J., Fleuren, M. A., Bekkema, N., & Francke, A. L. (2011). Successful implementation of new technologies in nursing care: a questionnaire survey of nurse-users. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making , 11 (1), 67.
