Nursing in the Digital Age
As a nurse, you know that providing the best care possible to your patients is your top priority. But sometimes, that means going above and beyond the call of duty — and being on call at all hours of the day and night. However, with new technology, such as video chat and electronic health records (EHR), systems in place, you can give patients access to care from anywhere with an Internet connection.
Electronic Medical Records
Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) are a digital database of patient information that can be accessed by healthcare professionals across different facilities and locations. Through EMRs, nurses can access the same information about their patients at any time. The doctor or nurse usually enters the data to be stored in an EMR during the course of a patient’s treatment.
The following are some benefits of Electronic Medical Records:
- Patient Privacy: Unlike paper records, which can easily be misplaced or damaged, EMRs are digital and secure, making it harder for unauthorized persons to access them.
- Easy Access: With nothing but an Internet connection and a password, healthcare https://www.fxcompared.com/magazine/news/clowd9-new-cloud-based-processing-pushprofessionals can access to a patient’s medical history from anywhere in the world.
- Proper Documentation: With an EMR system in place, it becomes easier for nurses to keep track of a patient’s medical condition(s) and treatments over time. This helps them better understand how patients respond to certain medications and other treatments to make more informed decisions about their care.
Remote care is possible
Telehealth technology is a way to provide care remotely, meaning that nurses can reach patients who are in rural areas or simply too ill to travel. This can be especially beneficial for people with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or heart disease, and those with mental health concerns.
Nurses also use telehealth technology to provide more comprehensive patient care by collaborating with other professionals in remote locations. If a patient has an appointment with their physician, for example, the nurse might use this time to learn about the patient’s condition and discuss any changes in symptoms since the last visit.
How nurses can prepare for digital healthcare
Nurses who want to advance their careers should take continuing education nursing courses offered by hospitals, universities, or other accredited institutions. These programs provide educational opportunities to help nurses stay current regarding medical advancements and update their skill sets with new technologies, such as electronic medical records (EMRs).
Fortunately, nurses can now get a degree without leaving home. Online programs, such as the University of Indianapolis online DNP-FNP program, offer flexibility, affordability, and convenience. They also provide a higher education without putting students at risk of losing their jobs or taking time off work to attend on-campus classes.
Conclusion
The healthcare industry has recently faced some of the most pressing challenges, indeed. In today’s world, patients can be anywhere in the world and still need medical attention. Therefore, embracing technology is essential as it helps provide quality care to all patients.
The digitalization of the industry has allowed healthcare organizations to improve their services by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing patient satisfaction.