NURS FPX 5005 Assessment 4 Patient Care Technology

• NURS FPX 5005 Assessment 4

Examining Technology in Nursing Practice

Technology has become integral to modern healthcare, significantly impacting nursing practice and patient care. This article delves into the role of technology, particularly electronic health records (EHRs), exploring their applications, advantages, limitations, and ethical and regulatory challenges. The insights provided align with the objectives of NURS FPX 5005 Assessment 4 emphasizing the critical intersection of nursing, research, ethics, and technology.

Impact of Technology on Patient Care and Nursing Practice

Understanding EHRs

Electronic health records (EHRs) are comprehensive digital systems that consolidate patient medical data, accessible via healthcare organizations’ computer systems or mobile devices. These records include diagnostic information, treatment plans, allergies, lab results, radiological images, vaccination histories, and indicators of mental and physical health (Grewal et al., 2019).

Effects on Patient Care

EHRs streamline the delivery of patient care by enabling rapid identification of patient needs and fostering prompt and effective clinical interventions (Abul-Husn & Kenny, 2019). They facilitate systematic data sharing among caregivers, promoting a cohesive approach to treatment and enhancing overall communication.

Impact on Nursing Practice

EHRs are essential for nurses to manage patient information and collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals. Secure and organized data access enables nurses to plan and execute interventions efficiently, particularly for patients in critical care or under continuous monitoring (Wisner et al., 2019).

Advantages and Disadvantages of EHRs

Advantages

1. Supports Evidence-Based Medicine: Provides reliable data for clinical decision-making.
2. Ensures Precise Documentation: Minimizes errors in patient records.
3. Streamlines Preventive Care: Encourages proactive health management.
4. Secure Data Storage: Protects sensitive medical information.
5. Improves Data Management: Simplifies record-keeping processes.

Disadvantages

1. Potential Malpractice Liability: Errors in data management may lead to legal issues.
2. High Implementation Costs: Technology adoption can strain budgets.
3. Possible Decrease in Productivity: Initial adjustments may slow workflow (Upadhyay & Hu, 2020).

Enhancing Data Communication

Structured and Unstructured Methods

EHRs enable communication through structured formats, such as computerized provider order entry (CPOE), which offers detailed information on medications and allergies. Unstructured methods, including clinical notes, provide valuable qualitative data (Zhang et al., 2020).

Leveraging Technology for Communication

With advancements in 5G technology, nurses can communicate with patients through emails, messages, or calls from remote locations. Online platforms facilitate real-time interaction with patients in rural areas, improving accessibility and enabling timely data sharing among healthcare teams (Zhang et al., 2020).

Controls and Safeguards for Patient Safety and Confidentiality

Safeguarding Data

Modern technologies enhance communication between staff and patients while providing updates on patient conditions. Measures like granting secure portal access to relatives or caregivers for patients with impairments ensure inclusivity and safety (Lee, 2017).

Addressing Privacy Concerns

Transparent dialogue with patients about data usage minimizes unauthorized access risks. Adequate training in data management further ensures ethical compliance in handling EHRs, a key consideration outlined in NURS FPX 5005 Assessment 4.

Evidence-Based Approaches for Patient Care Technology

HIPAA Compliance

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) 1996 establishes strict standards to protect patients’ medical information. Adhering to HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules ensures patient consent before data disclosure, safeguards health information, and bolsters patient trust (Shachar, 2022).

Ethical Integration of Technology

Evidence-based approaches emphasize aligning technology use with ethical principles. Incorporating these tools into nursing practice, from blood pressure monitors to patient location trackers, enhances care quality. However, as emphasized in NURS FPX 5005 Assessment 4, addressing staff training and data security challenges remains crucial for their practical application.

Conclusion

Technology plays a transformative role in nursing by enhancing patient-provider communication and streamlining care delivery. EHRs and wearable devices improve patient outcomes while ensuring data security and privacy. However, addressing challenges such as staff training and ethical data use is essential to maximize the benefits of technology in healthcare. As highlighted in NURS FPX 5005 Assessment 4, adopting technology responsibly ensures that patient care remains efficient, ethical, and centred on trust.

Read more NURS FPX 5005 Assessment 3 Evidence-Based Practice Application about for complete information about this class.

References

Abul-Husn, N. S., & Kenny, E. E. (2019). Personalized medicine and the power of electronic health records. Cell, 177(1), 58–69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2019.01.017

Bani Issa, W., Al Akour, I., Ibrahim, A., Almarzouqi, A., Abbas, S., Hisham, F., & Griffiths, J. (2020). Privacy, confidentiality, security, and patient safety concerns about electronic health records. International Nursing Review, 67(2), 218–230. https://doi.org/10.1111/inr.12569

Grewal, D., Hulland, J., Kopalle, P. K., & Karahanna, E. (2019). The future of technology and marketing: A multidisciplinary perspective. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 48(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11747-019-00696-0

Lee, L. M. (2017). Ethics and subsequent use of electronic health record data. Journal of Biomedical Informatics, 71, 143–146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbi.2017.05.023

Shachar, C. (2022). HIPAA, privacy, and reproductive rights in a post-Roe era. JAMA, 328(5), 417–418. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2022.12055

Upadhyay, S., & Hu, H. (2020). Clinicians’ lived experiences on the impact of electronic health records (EHR) on quality and safety. Academy of Management Proceedings, 2020(1), 12928. https://doi.org/10.5465/AMBPP.2020.12928abstract

Wisner, K., Lyndon, A., & Chesla, C. A. (2019). The electronic health record’s impact on nurses’ cognitive work: An integrative review. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 94, 74–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2019.02.003

Zhang, J., Liu, H., & Ni, L. (2020). A secure energy-saving communication and encrypted storage model based on RC4 for EHR. IEEE Access, 8, 38995–39012. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2020.2975489