During this week, the role of technology in improving healthcare outcomes was considered. The most valuable insight in this regard was how innovations in the medical setting can improve the quality and safety of care for patients. The use of technology in various healthcare areas provides better outcomes not only through improved methods of diagnosis and treatment but also by streamlining processes in hospitals.
Modern technologies make it possible to overcome the main problems that healthcare professionals currently face. In particular, innovations are helping to reduce the burden on physicians and nurses, allowing them to provide more patient-centered care. Bransma et al. (2020) conducted a study among medical professionals on the prevalence and acceptance of new technologies in clinical practice. Researchers report that 73% of professionals actively integrate various technological innovations into their work (Bransma et al., 2020). They also emphasize that their use significantly improves performance and improves patient outcomes.
The benefits of technology in the clinical setting are numerous and will only grow in the future. However, the course also considered the limitations that are associated with the introduction of innovations in professional activities. In particular, for the effective application of technology among healthcare professionals, a high level of training and competence of nurses is extremely important. Without relevant training, the use of innovations in the clinical setting can become a threat to patient safety and the quality of care.
Doing clinical in an acute care hospital, I see how much easier it is to manage patient health insurance and ensure the safety of their discharge. Technology allows nurses to make fewer mistakes when storing and using patient information, which positively affects patient outcomes. The introduction of innovations in the structure of hospital operations allows for an increase in the effectiveness of the interaction between healthcare professionals and patients, which is especially important in an acute setting. This area requires rapid decision-making, active collaboration, and the involvement of relevant resources to minimize potential harm to patients.
At the same time, when working with technologies, a number of limitations arise, which primarily affect the potential violation of the privacy of patient data. In particular, if the level of competence of nurses is insufficient, data can be used in the wrong context, which jeopardizes patient safety. Thus, when introducing innovations, it is also extremely important to take into account that they are associated with the need for better training of medical personnel and the expansion of their competencies. Within modern healthcare, this aspect may be the most significant and pose the greatest threat to the use of technology. First of all, the successful use of innovations requires extensive knowledge and evidence to carry out activities. Not all professionals have the necessary skills, so continuous development is critical for nurses.
While technology greatly improves hospital efficiency, safety, and patient outcomes, it also requires special attention to the competencies of professionals. Modern innovative tools used in the medical setting are complex structures that require special training. However, depending on the field, each technology has its own characteristics with which nurses need to interact. This requires dedication to ongoing education and professional growth, without which there is a risk of harm to patients. Technology in modern healthcare is a special area of expertise that cannot be ignored. Each nurse should include in her education the development of competencies for interacting with innovations, as well as actively work on their implementation in the clinical setting.
Reference
Brandsma, T., Stoffers, J., & Schrijver, I. (2020). Advanced technology use by care professionals. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(3). Web.