Last week, I talked about the patient being a critical member of the healthcare team and why collaboration and communication between patients and team members is needed to ensure safe, cost-effective quality care. This week, I would like to share how technology is causing a revolution in healthcare. Developments have helped empower patients and their caregivers to participate actively in their health. Technology is equipping all healthcare team members with tools and information that allow them to deliver personal and targeted care.
Although I am a good example of medical success, my success came at a price. As mentioned, I was treated for a central nervous system brain tumor. The treatment interventions included a proven combination of drugs, eliminating the tumor and saving my life. At the same time, I was left with chemo-induced neuropathy and nerve damage that caused a bilateral foot drop. This has impacted my ability to walk, drive and resume many of my activities of daily living. If my drug therapy had been more targeted to the tumor, I might not have suffered these complications.
Today, more personalized medicine and targeted therapies are being developed through technology. These will allow drugs to zero in on tumors, prevent damage to other cells, and, in turn, avoid life-changing complications.
In addition to new therapies, technology is opening the door for more efficient care. It empowers patients to take a more active role in their lives; for example, individuals can test their blood sugars, monitor their blood pressure, and record their weights. After entering the results into a web portal, the information can be sent to nurses and evaluated based on acuity. Professionals can then respond to abnormal results in a timely manner to correct problems or adjust the plan of care before an untoward event occurs. Nurses can educate patients and their families in a timely manner because they are aware of problems.
Physicians and pharmacists are developing algorithms that can be used to treat patients when lab work is abnormal or when the patient reports symptoms that can lead to more serious problems. They can also use this information to see how the patient responds to the care plan and make adjustments as needed. As this information is received, it allows for better management of the patient’s condition with a more proactive approach.
Physicians and pharmacists are developing algorithms that can be used to treat patients when lab work is abnormal or when the patient reports symptoms that can lead to more serious problems. They can also use this information to see how the patient responds to the care plan and make adjustments as needed. As this information is received, it allows for better management of the patient’s condition with a more proactive approach.
Because these web-based systems can be utilized in the home, office, or other settings that allow care to be provided where the patient is, these tools also provide a way to decrease emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and delays in high-cost care. Through new technologies, people can work through their treatment and ensure that they are on track with the click of a button.
Here are a few examples of the innovative technologies that are changing where healthcare is provided, and care is delivered:
First, I would like to introduce a new platform developed by Patientricti. The program helps healthcare professionals improve clinical outcomes, reduce healthcare costs and make healthcare more convenient for the consumer to enhance the patient experience. The goal is to ensure patient engagement is effective and efficient.
Next, I would like to share a TED Talk I recently heard on how technology is changing the way health care is delivered so it is more personal and more efficient. Most of us have been exposed to smartphones, tablets, and computers, so we are learning how to communicate more effectively and efficiently. Take a few minutes to watch this interesting talk to better understand how healthcare is changing as a result of the advances in technology. http://www.ted.com/talks/eric_dishman_health_care_should_be_a_team_sport
As the industry changes, healthcare professionals need to be aware of these changes and how they are being incorporated into everyday care. We all need to stay current, as the changes will impact how we do our jobs. Information on new advances can be found in a number of ways via professional organizations, mainstream publications, and blogs developed by professionals who share information on new innovations taking place. These outlets will educate and empower consumers and healthcare professionals to be more involved. As technology evolves, new skills will be needed to keep up-to-date. Many of us have learned how to use technology on the job and have been able to adapt to technological advances that have improved care and reduced fragmentation. But we still have a long way to go.
As a patient, a nurse, a case manager, or other team member, keep in mind that when you have the opportunity to participate in a project that utilizes new technologies, volunteer to be involved.
Feel free to share this post with your leadership and learn what they’re doing to introduce technology into your organization. Be a provider of information and ask to participate in implementing and rolling out new systems and technologies.
Feel free to share this post with your leadership and learn what they’re doing to introduce technology into your organization. Be a provider of information and ask to participate in implementing and rolling out new systems and technologies.
Nurses tend to be adept at using technology, as they have clinical expertise and an understanding of how the system works and how patients learn. They also have the ability to explain complex information in plain language so all can understand how to operate these new tools and interpret information. They know how to respond to information that might be critical to a patient’s health and the importance of contacting them to make arrangements for changes in treatment before a negative event occurs. Together with physicians, pharmacists and nurses are working with patients and their caregivers to ensure those with chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, CHF, COPD, pneumonia, and a host of other conditions are proactively managed.
It is an exciting time in healthcare, and, as a team, we will win the revolution by improving the care provided and controlling healthcare costs so that everyone can access care that improves their health and wellness. I look forward to hearing from you if you have benefitted from using new technologies and how they helped or did not help. You can leave a comment below or email me directly at [email protected]
Next week, I will share how setting goals can help patients improve their care.
Next week, I will share how setting goals can help patients improve their care.
This is extremely powerful- As Healthcare Professionals it critical that we empower patients to "Own their Health- Advocating for our patients through education, empowerment is vital and it is true that we will definitely win the revolution and this will benefit all of us- Great Post- Anne-
What a wealth of great information Anne.
I am off to watch the TED talk now!
Also Anne…technology is helping nurses with disabilities continue to practice! Amplified and electronic stethoscopes are two great examples.
Great perspective on positive aspects of technology in healthcare and value nurses bring to the table in terms of teaching and empowering patients and ,testing/advancing ideas. Also appreciate Donna's mention of technology helping nurses with disabilities and patients they serve. Glad the tumor is gone, Anne and sorry about the side effects.
Thanks, Anne for this useful piece!
Wonderful blend of the art and science of nursing practice. To me, healthcare has grown leaps and bounds with technology. And we must be mindful of keeping the presence of the art of our practice. Great examples of how innovation can allow the healing to happen. Thanks for continuing to share wonderful resources and information with us, Anne.
This is a great article. Now how do I introduce this into a facility where the culture is unwilling to accept same?