Smart Technologies: The Integration Of Multiple Information ✓ Solved

Smart Technologies The integration of multiple information systems is key to viewing the complete legal healthcare record to support the point-of-care (POC) approach to patient care

Discuss the use of smart technologies in nursing practice, specifically two technologies of your choice, their impact on workflow and patient safety, and how they could be further improved. Additionally, evaluate how wearable technology influences nursing practice and patient autonomy in managing chronic diseases, and describe measures to ensure patient security and confidentiality. Finally, explore the ethical and legal implications associated with wearable technology.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

In the landscape of modern healthcare, technology plays an essential role in enhancing patient outcomes, safety, and nursing workflow efficiency. As point-of-care (POC) technology continues to evolve, nurses are increasingly reliant on smart devices and systems that facilitate real-time decision-making, improve interdisciplinary communication, and promote patient safety. This paper explores two selected smart technologies—Barcode Medication Administration (BCMA) and biometric systems—and their role in optimizing nursing workflow and safety. In addition, the discussion addresses wearable technology's impact on chronic disease management, along with strategies to safeguard patient data and the legal and ethical considerations that accompany this technological integration.

Smart Technologies in Nursing Practice

Barcode Medication Administration (BCMA)

BCMA has revolutionized medication safety by minimizing errors associated with manual documentation. This technology utilizes barcode scanning on both the patient's wristband and medication packaging, ensuring that the right patient receives the correct medication at the appropriate dosage and time (Huber, 2020). In practice, BCMA streamlines the medication administration process by providing real-time verification, which significantly reduces adverse drug events. For nurses, this reduces cognitive workload and enhances confidence that medication errors are minimized. For example, during a medication round, the nurse scans the patient's ID and the medication barcode, with the system confirming the match before administration—preventing potential errors proactively.

Biometric Systems

Biometric identification, such as fingerprint scanners, is increasingly employed to authenticate staff and patients in healthcare settings. When used for medication dispensing, biometric ID ensures that only authorized personnel access medication carts or medication administration systems (Odonkor et al., 2022). Similarly, biometric badge scanners used for logging into electronic health records (EHR) prevent unauthorized access and ensure activity traceability. In clinical practice, biometric authentication expedites login times, reduces password fatigue, and enhances security compliance. For instance, a nurse can quickly authenticate with a fingerprint scanner to access patient data, saving valuable time during high-pressure situations while preventing unauthorized access.

Impact on Workflow and Patient Safety

The integration of BCMA and biometric systems significantly streamlines workflow by decreasing manual documentation and administrative burden. This automation allows nurses to allocate more time to direct patient care, improving overall safety and patient satisfaction. Studies show that hospitals employing BCMA have experienced a marked reduction in medication errors—a primary cause of patient harm (Kellogg et al., 2021). Moreover, biometric security reduces the risk of electronic data breaches, preserving patient confidentiality and trust. These technologies collectively foster an environment of safety, accuracy, and efficiency, aligning with best practices in nursing care.

Wearable Technology and Its Impact on Nursing Practice

Wearable devices such as fitness trackers, cardiovascular monitors, and glucose sensors have transformed chronic disease management. These devices empower patients by providing real-time health data that promotes self-monitoring and active participation in their care. For example, a diabetic patient may utilize a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that transmits data wirelessly to their smartphone, enabling timely dietary or medication adjustments (Banaee et al., 2013). Nurses can access this data remotely, facilitating proactive interventions and personalized care plans. Wearables contribute to improved health outcomes, increased patient autonomy, and reduced hospital readmissions by fostering self-care and early detection of health deterioration.

Protecting Patient Security and Confidentiality

Given the sensitive nature of health data transmitted through wearables, robust measures are essential for safeguarding patient confidentiality. Encryption protocols, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), ensure data security during transmission. Moreover, strict access controls, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits help prevent unauthorized access (Kostkova et al., 2018). Healthcare organizations must also comply with legal frameworks like HIPAA, which mandates the safeguarding of Protected Health Information (PHI). Educating patients and staff on data privacy principles further reinforces security practices, ensuring that wearable technology benefits do not come at the expense of privacy violations.

Ethical and Legal Implications

While wearable technology offers promising advantages, it raises several ethical and legal concerns. Privacy invasion is a primary issue, as continuous monitoring can lead to perceptions of overreach or surveillance (Gliklich et al., 2018). Legally, questions surrounding informed consent, data ownership, and liability for inaccuracies pose challenges. For example, if wearable data triggers incorrect clinical decisions due to device malfunction, ambiguity regarding accountability arises. Ethical principles such as autonomy, beneficence, and justice must guide the deployment of wearables—ensuring that patient autonomy is respected, and data is used responsibly. Clear policies and regulations are necessary to address these issues and protect patient rights.

Conclusion

Smart technologies like BCMA and biometric systems have significantly advanced nursing workflows and patient safety by promoting accuracy and security. Wearable devices foster patient engagement and improve chronic disease management but necessitate rigorous data protection measures. Addressing the ethical and legal issues associated with these innovations is critical to responsible integration. As technology continues to evolve, nurses play a vital role in leveraging these tools ethically, ensuring they serve to enhance care quality while safeguarding patient rights and privacy (Hebda et al., 2019).

References

  • Gliklich, E., Dreyer, N., & LeMadeleine, L. (2018). Ethical considerations in wearable health devices. Journal of Medical Ethics, 44(10), 665-670.
  • Hebda, T., Hunter, K., & Czar, P. (2019). Handbook of Informatics for Nurses & Healthcare Professionals (6th ed.). Pearson.
  • Huber, M. (2020). Improving medication safety with barcode technology. Nursing Management, 51(1), 20-23.
  • Kellogg, A., Scheid, J., & Gutierrez, F. (2021). Impact of barcode medication administration on nursing workflow and safety. Journal of Nursing Administration, 51(4), 199-205.
  • Kostkova, P., Chandra, S., & Kotecha, K. (2018). Security and privacy challenges of wearable health devices. IEEE Reviews in Biomedical Engineering, 11, 130-137.
  • Odonkor, P. M., Adams, S. A., & Sia, S. H. (2022). Biometric identification systems in healthcare. Healthcare, 10(1), 1-10.
  • Banaee, H., Ahmed, M. U., & Loutfi, A. (2013). Data mining for wearable sensors in health monitoring systems: a review. Journal of Biomedical Informatics, 49, 4-17.
  • Kellogg, A., Scheid, J., & Gutierrez, F. (2021). Impact of barcode medication administration on nursing workflow and safety. Journal of Nursing Administration, 51(4), 199-205.
  • Gliklich, E., Dreyer, N., & LeMadeleine, L. (2018). Ethical considerations in wearable health devices. Journal of Medical Ethics, 44(10), 665-670.
  • Hebda, T., Hunter, K., & Czar, P. (2019). Handbook of Informatics for Nurses & Healthcare Professionals (6th ed.). Pearson.

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