Nurses use technology to provide the best care possible, often through faster diagnosis and more precise treatment. Health Information Technology enables nurses to capture critical data and use it to inform patient care and communicate across a range of health care settings. Health IT also ensures nurses can better educate and engage patients and families.
Managing information
Nursing information management once required coordinating stacks of files, folders, charts, and notes for patients and staff. Technology is changing the way nurses manage information. Electronic medical records (EMR) are digital versions of all those paper charts, notes, and folders. These systems allow nurses to track data over time, see a patient’s medical history at the bedside, and immediately access the information they need.
Streamlining care
Smart beds record data that allow nurses to create action plans to prevent falls. The recorded data can also be used to decide on a plan for moving patients to prevent bedsores and other issues.
Smart pumps set and dispense the correct amount of fluids and medications and alert nurses to empty bags. These systems help prevent errors.
Better communication
Nurses can more easily locate patients, doctors, other nurses, and staff through real-time locating systems (RTLS). Think of RTLS as a GPS for the medical sector. By using an application or logging on to a website, nurses and other staff members can find who they need rather than calling or texting.
Communication is essential in any field, but especially in health care. With so much information being recorded and disseminated, it’s important the correct materials end up in the correct hands at the correct time. Pagers have been replaced with more sophisticated technology that provide better communication systems that help make information distribution more accurate than ever.
Nursing Informatics Specialists
Nursing informatics specialist handle the data, data storage, retrieval of information, and much more. They use their experienced knowledge of the field to find the best technology and data systems to be implemented in a hospital, clinic, etc. Experienced nurses have the training and background needed to provide inside perspective of the types of technology that will work best to improve patient care. Nurse informatics specialists apply theories in directing patient care, while providing guidance and technical assistance for staff workflow and leadership for system change.