The use of technology in healthcare has equipped healthcare professionals with advanced tools to enhance patient care. Electronic health records (EHRs) facilitate easy access to complete patient medical histories, allowing registered nurses and physicians to make informed decisions. Additionally, healthcare professionals can utilize apps to identify potential medication errors and improve patient safety. Virtual reality (VR) and apps can ease symptoms of anxiety and depression in older adults and individuals with mental illnesses. Augmented reality (AR) can also assist surgeons in performing complex procedures. Both VR and AR devices can contribute to improving patients’ overall health and fitness. And that is just the tipping point.
As the nursing profession evolves, so does the technology that is available as well as mandated. Exposure to various technologies plays a big part in a nurse’s career advancement. And one of the quickest ways to gain the most exposure and list skilled experience is through travel nursing contract. Nevertheless, here are the curated top advancements in technology that are impacting patient care:
- Telemedicine: Telemedicine is the ability to provide healthcare services to patients remotely, using video and audio-conferencing technology. Telemedicine can be used for many different types of medical services, including consultations, diagnosis, and treatment for both acute and chronic conditions. Nurses can play a critical role in telemedicine by helping patients access the technology needed to participate in remote consultations and by providing support during these types of visits. This sort of visit can help improve healthcare access for individuals in rural or remote areas, or those who may face difficulty with travel or mobility. Nurses should be aware of the relevant laws and regulations governing telemedicine in their state or country, as well as any reimbursement policies related to telemedicine services. It is important for nurses to maintain patient privacy and confidentiality when providing care via telemedicine, just as they would in an in-person visit. Nurses should work closely with healthcare providers to ensure that telemedicine consultations are integrated into the patient’s overall healthcare plan and are carried out safely and effectively.
- Electronic Health Records (EHRs): As mentioned above, this digital system provides healthcare providers with a centralized location where they can access patients’ medical records in real-time. This allows for better coordination of care and ensures that all providers involved in a patient’s care have access to the same information. Nurses play a critical role in maintaining and updating patients’ EHRs by accurately documenting all patient care, including assessments, medication administration, and treatments. Access to EHRs can help nurses provide safer and more effective patient care by providing a complete picture of the patient’s health history, medications, and allergies. Nurses should follow best practices for data entry and record-keeping to ensure that EHRs are complete, accurate, and up to date. It is also important to ensure that patient privacy and confidentiality are maintained when accessing and updating EHRs, in compliance with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations. There are various EHR systems and having exposure to a variety can make you an in-demand nurse.
- Health Monitoring Wearables: Wearable technology, such as fitness bands and smartwatches, can monitor vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure, and can alert patients and caregivers when levels fall outside a normal range. These wearables are becoming increasingly popular and are often used by patients to monitor their own health and fitness levels. Nurses need to be aware of these devices and their capabilities. By being familiar with these devices, nurses can help patients to use them effectively and interpret the data that they provide. Health Monitoring Wearables can be used by nurses to monitor the progress of patients in remote settings or with chronic illnesses, alerting them to any significant changes that require intervention. The use of wearable tech can help patients to be more proactive about their health and fitness and can encourage them to make positive lifestyle changes.
- 3D Printing: Not to be confused with SkillGigs patented 3D resume, Medical 3D printing is a technique that uses a computer-assisted design (CAD) to create three-dimensional objects. 3D printing allows for the creation of patient-specific medical devices, such as prosthetics and implants. Nurses need to understand how medical 3D printing works in order to be able to explain the technology to patients and to collaborate with other healthcare professionals on the use of these devices. Nurses should be aware of the various materials that can be used in medical 3D printing, as well as the potential risks and benefits associated with each. This advancing technology has the potential to reduce the time and costs associated with creating prosthetics and implants and can lead to better patient outcomes.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): You cannot escape a headline nowadays that does not include AI. AI algorithms can be used to analyze large amounts of medical data to identify potential health issues and improve patient outcomes. This technology also has the potential to reduce medical errors and improve diagnostic accuracy. Nurses have an opportunity to learn and us AI in various areas including but not limited to patient monitoring, clinical decision making, assisting with diagnosis, workflow optimization, patient education and research.
All of these advancements, and many more, in technology have significant potential to improve patient care, enhance healthcare provider efficiency, and reduce costs.
It is important for all registered nurses that use SkillGigs to connect with opportunities, to list their exposure to any one of these technologies within their skill listing. It is a great opportunity to get matched to a good paying gig based on the exposure you have had. If you have any questions, let us know how we can help!
