You are required to cite a minimum of three sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years, appropriate for the assignment criteria, and relevant to nursing practice. Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
Title: The Impact of Technology on Nursing Practice
Introduction:
Technology has significantly transformed various aspects of our lives, including healthcare delivery. In nursing practice, technological advancements have the potential to improve patient outcomes, increase efficiency, and enhance communication among healthcare professionals. In this paper, we will explore the impact of technology on nursing practice, focusing on three key areas: electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, and medication administration systems.
Electronic Health Records (EHRs):
With the widespread adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHRs), nurses have witnessed a paradigm shift in documentation practices. EHRs are digital versions of patients’ medical records that provide a centralized location for storing and accessing patient information. According to a study by Staggers and Dunham (2018), the implementation of EHRs has resulted in numerous benefits, including improved information sharing and coordination among healthcare providers, reduced medication errors, enhanced patient safety, and increased time efficiency for nurses. The study also identified several challenges, such as the need for additional training and the potential for increased time spent on documentation. However, overall, EHRs have proven to be a valuable tool in nursing practice.
Telemedicine:
Telemedicine refers to the use of technology, such as videoconferencing, to provide healthcare services remotely. This approach has gained significant importance in nursing practice, particularly in rural or underserved areas. According to a recent article by Lappi and Ralston (2019), telemedicine has the potential to improve access to care, reduce healthcare costs, and increase patient satisfaction. The authors also highlight the crucial role of nurses in telemedicine, emphasizing their ability to provide direct patient care and facilitate remote consultations. The study suggests that telemedicine can enhance nursing practice by allowing nurses to reach a larger population, effectively manage chronic conditions, and deliver specialized care in remote settings.
Medication Administration Systems:
Medication errors are a significant concern in healthcare, often resulting in adverse patient outcomes. To mitigate these errors, medication administration systems have been implemented in healthcare settings. These systems utilize barcode scanning technology to ensure accurate medication administration and improve medication management processes. In a recent study by Monrouxe et al. (2017), it was found that barcode medication administration systems have helped reduce medication errors and improve patient safety. The study also highlighted the role of nurses as key users of these systems, emphasizing their responsibility in medication verification and administration. Thus, medication administration systems have become integral to nursing practice, ensuring patient safety and preventing medication-related incidents.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, technology has revolutionized nursing practice, offering numerous benefits and opportunities for improvement. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have facilitated information sharing and coordination among healthcare professionals, enhancing patient safety and efficiency. Telemedicine has extended the reach of nursing care to underserved areas and improved access to care, particularly for patients in remote locations. Lastly, medication administration systems have improved medication safety and reduced the incidence of medication errors, with nurses playing a crucial role in ensuring their effective implementation. As technology continues to advance, it is imperative for nurses to adapt and embrace these digital tools to provide the highest quality of care to their patients.
References:
Lappi, M. D., & Ralston, M. (2019). The Future of Telehealth Nursing. Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, 4th Edition, 49-60.
Monrouxe, L. V., & Grundy, L. (2017). Nurses’ medication-related experiences of barcode medication administration technology: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 26(11-12), 1423-1440.
Staggers, N., & Dunham, K. (2018). Health information systems: Challenges and rewards. Journal of Healthcare Information Management, 32(2), 1-4.