Technology in the healthcare industry is constantly evolving. New innovations, in more ways than pharmaceutical, are improving the way patients are being treated on a daily basis. The best thing about these technological advancements is that they are revolutionizing the industry across the board — for patients, doctors, and nurses alike.
Nurses themselves are excited by the prospect of developing technologies and methodologies. A survey of over 600 nurses found that 82% believe that these innovations can only positively impact patient care, both in the improvement of both human processes and the reduction of human error.
To that end, we have created this list of technological innovations set to change and improve the healthcare industry for nurses. With no further ado, here they are:
1. All-in-One Mobile Devices
One complaint many nurses have is that there are so many things they have to take into account that it hampers their ability to deliver appropriate care and attention to their patients. With an all-in-one mobile device used at the Truman Medical centers in Kansas City, Mo., on the other hand, nurses have been able to devote more time to the people under their care.
The device, namely the Zebra Technologies TC51-HC, combines a mobile computer, phone, and barcode scanner. Not only does it allow them to send messages, receive alerts, and update a patient’s health record with data and photographs on the fly. It has made the archival aspect of patient care far easier.
2. Telehealth Platforms
Tele-ICU applications, such as high-definition cameras, telemetry, and other telehealth technologies allow nurses and doctors to observe patients remotely. This can give patients in intensive care a smaller chance of being exposed to pathogens that may risk their well-being.
It can also connect patients to experts in other places, giving them a chance for the best treatment no matter the distance.
3. Wearables
Small, wi-fi enabled devices such as smart watches and monitors are perfectly able to transmit personal health data, such as blood sugar levels, blood pressure, body position, and physical activity. This can alert wearers and medical professionals when there is a potential issue that has to be investigated, thus minimizing the chances of a problem going unnoticed for far too long.
Yet again, the benefit of more time and focus for patient care is the top-cited benefit of this technology.
4. Better mobile workstations
Mobile workstations have been part of patient care for a long time, but improving technology has made these smaller, lighter, smarter, and more versatile. Modern workstations are capable of eliminating steps in the workflow, allowing them to deliver seamless care. It also allows quick responses to emergency situations.
5. Advanced command centers
Modern software and computers have revolutionized the nurses’ station, turning it into a veritable command center. From the command center, nurses can remain informed of schedules and patient needs more efficiently. Custom-build dashboards to align scheduling and screening can help nurses find the information with ease.
Final thoughts
A health crisis can reveal what is worst and best about practices in the healthcare industry. As such, it is important to keep abreast of all the trends and technologies that are being implemented, not just to treat patients better, but to treat them more efficiently.
For more news about the healthcare industry, send us at Dose of Healthcare a message. We can help shed light on current issues in the field of medicine, providing meaningful information to help both professionals and laypersons alike.
