Boon and Burden
While nurses acknowledge the advantages of using technology, they also say training is sometimes inadequate, IT systems occasionally force them to rethink how they do their jobs, and technological snafus can impede their work.
But without a doubt, the introduction of new technologies may bring considerable changes to nurses' day-to-day work. Consider the experience of Texas's Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie after touch-screen computers were installed in the emergency department. The system has helped improve efficiency and patient care in a number of ways, says Mike Behning, RN, the emergency department's day supervisor. With the system in place:
Nurses don't have to find a doctor to get a patient's chart.
Charts are easier to read, minimizing potential errors.
Lab results are available in real time.
Various departments communicate better.