Types of Nursing Technology
Some of the newer technological advances include real time locating systems (RTLS). These systems typically use radiofrequency identification tags, ultrasound, or infrared technology to tag and track medical equipment. Sometimes referred to as RFID devices, they can be used for tasks such as locating the nearest wheelchair or blood pressure machine, centrally monitoring equipment maintenance cycles and streamlining patient flow and bed management.
In the same manner, patient locations can also be monitored, which can help improve response times, admitting and discharge processes and workflow between other departments such as laboratory services, physical therapy and environmental services. This can also assist nurses in mental health or neurology wards where patients can sometimes wander away from their rooms and into other patient rooms or restricted areas.
Other devices include tablet computers and mobile charts. Traditionally, nurses spent a significant portion of their shift walking back and forth between patient rooms, medication areas and the nursing station, or looking for equipment and supplies. Mobile devices reduce the amount of time nurses spend walking, which can be redirected towards better patient care. In addition, nurses can access patients’ records and test results from their bedside as well as clinical resources and guidelines to assist with patient care.
Electronic health record (EHR) systems are rapidly becoming the gold standard in healthcare settings, replacing outdated paper records. In addition to providing instant access to patient medical histories and records, EHRs can also improve coordination between all members of a patient’s care team, alert caregivers to potential prescription drug interactions and flag test results and other items for follow-up.