How can policy support technology in healthcare? What policies currently exist and what role do nurses have in them? What strategies can nurses employ to influence the development of health policy related to the use of technology for quality care? *must be in APA and must include at least one peer reviewed nursing journal article from 2014-2019.
Title: Policy Support for Technology in Healthcare: The Role of Nurses and Strategies for Influencing Development
Introduction:
Advancements in technology have revolutionized various aspects of healthcare delivery, leading to improved patient outcomes, increased efficiency, and enhanced quality of care. The deployment of innovative medical technologies in healthcare settings, however, is influenced by policies that govern their adoption, implementation, and utilization. This paper will examine the ways in which policy can support the integration of technology in healthcare, the current policies that exist, the role of nurses within these policies, and strategies that nurses can employ to influence the development of health policy related to the use of technology for quality care.
Policy Support for Technology in Healthcare:
Policy plays a pivotal role in shaping the utilization and deployment of technology in healthcare. Effective policies are essential for laying the foundation for technology integration and ensuring that resources are optimally allocated. They provide guidance and regulations for technology implementation, ensuring safety, security, privacy, and interoperability across healthcare systems. Additionally, policies can stimulate research and development, promote collaboration among stakeholders, and incentivize the adoption of technology.
One example of policy support for technology in healthcare is the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, enacted in the United States in 2009. The HITECH Act promotes the meaningful use of electronic health records (EHRs) by incentivizing healthcare providers to adopt certified EHR systems. It has played a significant role in increasing the adoption of EHRs nationwide, thereby improving information exchange, reducing medical errors, and enhancing care coordination.
Role of Nurses in Policy:
Nurses, as frontline healthcare providers, play a crucial role in shaping health policy related to technology utilization. They possess valuable insights into patient care needs, workflow processes, and the impact of technology on care delivery. Nurses can collaborate with policymakers, researchers, and technology experts to advocate for policies that align with evidence-based practice and promote the integration of technology in healthcare settings.
According to the American Nurses Association’s (ANA) Health Information Technology (HIT) Position Statement, nurses should actively participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of health information technology initiatives. By leveraging their expertise and experiences, nurses can provide valuable input regarding the design and usability of technology, ensuring that it meets the needs of the users and promotes patient safety.
Furthermore, nurses can contribute to policymaking by serving in administrative and leadership roles at various levels of healthcare organizations. Their involvement in committees, task forces, and workgroups can help shape policies that facilitate the integration of technology into nursing practice. Nurses can also contribute to the development of technology standards and guidelines through professional organizations and regulatory bodies, ensuring interoperability and standardization across healthcare systems.