The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed a profound transformation within the healthcare sector, revealing the urgent need to modernize and improve the way care is delivered. Amid the global crisis, healthcare providers have been forced to adapt and quickly integrate new technologies, striking a balance between ensuring medical accessibility and adhering to social distancing mandates. This period of accelerated digital adoption has sparked hope for the potential of cutting-edge generative technologies. artificial intelligence (AI) technologies– capable of generating results ranging from poetry to complex computer programs with near-human mastery – to revolutionize healthcare.
There is no room for error in medicine. So while the gimmicky errors of generative AI are often harmless in other contexts, they can have serious implications in a field where the stakes are invariably high. So the question remains: how can we improve nurses’ experience with technology without causing further problems?
The need for a merger
The health sector continues to face the problem of Burnout among the workers. The heavy paperwork required for electronic health records (EHRs) is particularly frustrating, especially for nurses who rely on technology for accurate documentation of patient interactions.
Surveys conducted in Canada in 2022 indicate that nearly 70% of nurses have thought about changing jobs, with over 40% considering leaving the profession due to a variety of factors including staff shortages, pay cuts and workplace hazards. Additionally, the aging baby boomer generation is contributing to a demographic shift, increasing demand for nursing care and increasing the risk of burnout among nurses of all ages.
Conversely, the adoption of technology offers significant opportunities to transform nursing practices. Real-time location services (RTLS) and AI show potential to enhance the capabilities of existing digital tools such as EHR and nurse call systems. Industry experts suggest that RTLS and AI could address the challenges of managing large patient volumes by simplifying crucial daily operations, thereby organizing and streamlining patient care. Hospitals that have adopted these technologies report notable improvements, including a 94% increase in task management efficiency and a 31% reduction in service response times.
Technological education
Introducing new practices into any healthcare discipline is by no means easy. Disrupting existing standards that work can cause more damage than benefit, hence the need for appropriate training around new health technologies awaiting integration into the industry. Educational technologiesincluding simulations and virtual environments, have become essential for the development of nurses’ skills, deeply integrating the principles of quality and safety into their professional philosophy.
In the meantime, the Future of Nursing Report 2020-2030 envisions a health system supported by nurses skilled in these digital innovations, leveraging them to address social determinants of health and close health equity gaps. This shift signifies a broader movement in nursing education toward the use of technology not only as an educational tool but also as an essential part of modern medical practice, aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of patient care.
Technologies that drive change
Despite considerable progress in recent years, the integration of digital technology into nursing continues to face significant obstacles. A persistent problem is the profession’s struggle to stay abreast of the rapid advances in digital technologies and their profound influence on society as a whole. This gap has, in turn, limited the potential benefits that these innovations could offer to both nursing practice and patient care. In response to these ongoing challenges and in anticipation of future demands, there is an urgent need for nursing to embark on a comprehensive digital transformation. Below are some of the technologies driving this change.
Telehealth programs
Telehealth Digital programs and advancements have radically reshaped nursing, breaking down the barriers of traditional healthcare environments to provide remote monitoring, coaching and triage of patients, especially those with chronic conditions. Additionally, nurse call systems have become essential for improving communication between healthcare providers and patients. These systems alert staff to urgent patient needs or hazards, such as fall risks, allowing rapid action to improve the effectiveness of care at critical moments. Patient data management is now streamlined through the use of ERHR systems, as they offer a unified, easily accessible database that facilitates simple documentation and data exchange between professionals.
The integration of mobile technology, RTLS and “smart systems” through EHRs and nurse call systems has led to significant improvements in healthcare delivery, with some hospitals noticing a 94% improvement in overall task volume and a 31% reduction in service response time. These technologies allow nurses to anticipate provider arrival times, improving communication and patient preparation. They also support services such as patient transportation and meal delivery, streamlining operations and allowing nurses to focus on key healthcare needs. Despite its benefits, this change introduces policy, ethics, and adaptation challenges, particularly for seasoned nurses who are unfamiliar with digital tools. Overcoming these barriers requires comprehensive training and support from health systems to ensure that nurses are proficient and comfortable with these technologies, thereby improving their work experience and retaining qualified staff.
Put it all together
Nursing leaders at all levels are encouraged to champion and invest significantly in the integration of nursing practices with digital health technologies. The imperative to adapt and integrate digital innovations, from data analytics to virtual care models and collaborative creation of digital health tools, is undeniable. No matter how urgent the situation: any delay or inaction could set the nursing profession back significantly, compromising its ability to provide high-quality patient care in an increasingly digital future.
The current challenges facing nurses around the world – intense workloads, staff shortages and skills mismatches – highlight the urgent need for a transformative approach that prioritizes systemic support and technological empowerment. Embracing digital advancements offers a pathway to alleviate these pressures, allowing nurses to achieve a balance between their well-being and their professional responsibilities.
About Connie Moser
Connie Moser is a serial entrepreneur with several successful exits under her belt and over 30 years of experience building healthcare information technology organizations. Connie is known throughout the industry as a true leader who relentlessly pursues growth through customer value creation, while building loyal teams who regularly follow her into new opportunities. Connie’s success is driven by data, achieved through validated growth metrics achieved through strategic acquisitions, effective sales bundling, and streamlining business processes through automation. As general manager of Navénio, a UK-based technology company focused on logistics intelligence in healthcare, validates her leadership skills with successful revenue deals, as she did as CEO of Verge Health ( now RLDatix) and is building a strong presence in the US and global healthcare market. Empowering teams and mentoring young employees has been a constant throughout his long career and a source of deep satisfaction. His mentorship extends to his work as a long-time member of the Board of Trustees of his alma mater Ripon College since 2013.
