Question

Describe patient-care technologies as appropriate to address the needs of a diverse patient population. 4. Investigate safeguards and decision-making support tools embedded in patient care technologies and information systems to support a safe practice environment for both patients and healthcare workers. 5. Identify patient care technologies, information systems, and communication devices that support safe nursing practice. 7. Examine the use of information systems to document interventions related to achieving nurse-sensitive outcomes. 8. Discuss the value of best evidence as a driving force to institute change in the delivery of nursing care.

Answer 1

In the nursing field, technology allows nurses to wok  more effectively and efficiently. Patient care technologies means  relatively simple devices, such as catheters and syringes, to highly complex devices, such as barcode medication administration systems and electronic health records.

Some of important technology supporting patient care are

1. Automated IV pumps -It control the dosages and drips given to patients.  

2. Portable monitors.- Portable devices monitor vital signs like ECG, respiratory rates, and oxygen saturations. Thus help nurses by an an alarm notification if there is any emergency.

3. Smart beds- Smart beds play a major role in keeping patients safe and comfortable during hospital stay. Smart beds are very important for patient safe. It also help nurses track movement, weight, and even vitals.

4. Electronic health records- .Electronic health records (EHR) are taking over older paper and writing methods. It allows nursing experts to document care provided to patients, and retrieve information help in prioritizing care. Additionally information be accessed by the care team, including doctors and even patients themselves when necessary.

5. Telehealth and patient care apps- Telehealth allows patients to virtually video-chat with a doctor or nurse. Patients are able to describe their symptoms, or show signs of disease like rashes or bumps.Now due to Covid 19 pandemics this is very useful for treatment .

6. Other technologies and practices like

   1. turn schedules, in order to prevent unwantedpressure ulcer development/skin breakdown

   2. hourly rounds-that asses the patient for safety and prevention of falls,

   3. bed alarms, hand held call bells fora patient that may be extremely confused and at high risk for falls or injury.

Safeguards and Decision-Making Support Tools Embedded in Patient Care Technologies and Information Systems

Decision making includes the patient, health care proxy,advanced directives, primary doctor, nurse, social workers,dieticians, case managers, and pastoral care.

Nurse management systems, which are purely administrative and designed for the management of human resources and working conditions (staff scheduling) and nursing staff retention.

Educational systems, for example, e-learning initiatives used for the training of nursing students.

Telephone systems support the electronic capture, storage, processing, and exchange of information.

Nursing informatics- Nursing specific software computerised documention for all nursing care activities help in decision making.Computer programs include full data assessment collection. A well-designed system or electronic health record can help nurses answer questions quickly, chart comprehensively and look up patient information effortlessly.

Patient care technologies, information systems, and communication devices that support safe nursing practice.

• Management systems are computer-based systems for acquiring, storing, transmitting, and displaying patient administrative or health information from different sources that can support administrative or clinical activities. Management systems include ICTs such as electronic health records and personal (patients) health records.Electronic database helps in storing and retrieving information.
• Communication systems are telecommunication systems used when users are distant in space and/or time. This kind of communication takes place between health professionals or between health professionals and patients or carers. It involves sharing of information between specific individuals who play distinct roles for diagnostic, management, counseling, educational, or support purposes. There are a wide range of communication systems, from e-mail and smart phones through telemedicine and telecare systems.Video and movie related to patient care can be used by nurses in day today patient education .
• Computerized decision support systems refer to a computer-based system, which is automated and aims to support health professionals in practicing within clinical guidelines and care pathways or providing best evidence-based care. These kinds of systems are usually operated in real time and involve decision support that comes from artificial intelligence (for example, a software program) rather than a person.confidentiality ,security and privacy of patient care details.
• Information systems. These systems are defined by the use of internet technology to attain access to different information resources, such as health and lifestyle information. Web-based resources and e-health portals for retrieving information are applications of information systems.

One of the primary ways that informatics has changed nursing practice is through documentation. Documentation errors preventable with informatics. Not only does information provide nurses with alerts to avoid errors, it also helps to automate certain tasks, both improving nurse productivity and preventing some of the costs associated with health care.

EBP is important because it aims to provide the most effective care that is available, with the aim of improving patient outcomes. Patients receive the most efficient care based on the best available evidence. EBM requires integration of three major components for medical decision making: 1) the best available evidence, 2) practitioner's clinical expertise, and 3) patients' preference

With the application of EBP comes better patient outcomes, which can decrease the demand for healthcare resources. Thus, healthcare organizations can reduce expenses. For example, outdated practices may have included supplies, equipment or products that are no longer necessary for certain procedures or techniques.