Nursing 2.0: How Technology is Reshaping the Future of Healthcare

By Olivia Montez - LinkedIn

Technology is transforming every industry, and nursing is no exception. Innovations like electronic health records (EHRs), telehealth systems, artificial intelligence, and enhanced patient-nurse collaboration are reshaping the landscape of healthcare. An American Nurses Association (ANA) article highlights these advances, focusing on telehealth, EHRs, and portable diagnostic tools. In this blog, we’ll explore how these technologies are impacting nursing, improving patient care, and creating new opportunities for collaboration.

Telemedicine and Virtual Care

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth, making it easier for patients—especially vulnerable groups like the elderly or those with mobility challenges—to access care without traveling. Telehealth reduces barriers to care, providing convenient follow-ups, consultations, and monitoring from the comfort of home. The American Medical Association (AMA) has strongly supported this shift, even advocating for Medicare to cover telehealth services at the same rate as in-person visits. As telehealth becomes more widely available, especially in rural areas, it has the potential to save lives by improving access to critical care in emergencies.

The Federation of State Medical Boards has also created guidelines to help state boards manage the ethical and operational aspects of telemedicine. As telehealth becomes a cornerstone of healthcare, these policies ensure safe and effective use of the technology. By bridging the gap between rural and urban care, telemedicine could significantly reduce health disparities in underserved areas.

Patient Empowerment and Education

Though it might not always be top of mind, patient engagement is a critical factor in achieving successful treatment outcomes. Nurses play a pivotal role in educating patients on healthy lifestyle choices as part of their treatment. This interaction fosters a secure relationship between nurses and patients, allowing them to collaborate on healthcare decisions. This partnership also provides patients with the opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable insights from healthcare professionals. Additionally, nurses can customize their guidance to align with each patient's specific needs, taking into account their medical history and cultural context. Where does technology come into play? Patient portals, mobile apps, and interactive educational materials are among the technological tools that empower patients to manage their health beyond the clinical setting. According to the American Nurses Association's Resource Hub, patient access to medical records is made easier by "secure and current EHR software that's simple and intuitive," streamlining the care process. This enhanced access underscores the concept that patients have greater control over their healthcare decisions.

Welkin Health notes that when patients are actively engaged, they improve their health literacy and gain the confidence to participate in decision-making regarding their care plan. Wearable devices that track symptoms can help patients identify when they need medical attention or when they should adjust their self-care routines. Additionally, secure messaging systems and video calls are essential tools for facilitating communication between patients and healthcare providers, allowing for ongoing feedback and support.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

This factor is crucial for fostering the adoption of new technology in nursing. Nurses and other healthcare professionals work collaboratively to bring new ideas and practices to the field from a variety of disciplines. In an article from the Journal of Nursing Scholarship, Dr. Grady delves into advances in nursing science that aim to improve patient outcomes. She argues that today's nurses are actively engaged in collaborative research, seeking to drive future technological innovations. Multidisciplinary teams are developing personalized treatments tailored to individuals based on factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and environment. These advancements have the potential to transform clinical research, clinical trials, and the exploration of genetic links to illnesses and their symptoms.

A research study in Nursing Outlook, discusses the barriers nurses often face when they work alone to foster innovation. Engaging in partnerships with diverse healthcare organizations allows nurses to tap into a wider range of experiences and skill sets. Although nurses may be highly skilled in specific areas, they sometimes lack expertise in project management, information technology, product development, and other essential skills. Such collaborations not only stimulate innovation but also provide valuable opportunities for professional development and cross-disciplinary learning.

Actionable Steps: How Nurses Can Embrace Technology

To stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field of healthcare, nurses must actively engage with new technologies. Here’s how you can get started:

• Take Technology Courses: Enroll in courses or workshops on EHR systems, telehealth, or AI in healthcare to deepen your knowledge.
• Join Professional Groups: Participate in interdisciplinary teams or professional nursing organizations that focus on technological advancements in healthcare. This will expand your network and open up collaborative opportunities.
• Test New Tools: Experiment with wearable devices, patient portals, and telemedicine platforms. Familiarize yourself with their functions so you can better educate and empower your patients.
• Stay Updated on Policies: Keep track of updates from organizations like the AMA, CDC, and Federation of State Medical Boards to ensure you understand the ethical and operational guidelines surrounding new technologies.
• Seek Feedback from Patients: Encourage patients to share their experiences with technological tools. Use their feedback to improve care delivery and make technology more patient-friendly.

By embracing these steps, nurses can stay at the forefront of healthcare innovation and provide the best possible care to their patients.