Final Blog

Technology as Knowledge

Technology as knowledge, in the nursing professions has allowed for crucial advances in the field. In this, the age of technology it is imperative that the nursing profession continue to develop technology that will enhance the profession. The technological advances researched for this paper, have provided more effective and efficient patient care, patient monitoring, and treatment regimes. We will look at several advances that have impacted the nursing profession in general and patient care specifically. Nurses are an integral part of the healthcare team, providing valuable input, knowledge, experience, and expertise to assist in providing care for often times critically ill patients. Nurses are essentially an advocate for the patient. Let’s be clear, technological advances are necessary and serve a useful purpose; but the sensitivity, caring, and compassion provided by the human touch is irreplaceable.
My area of specialty is Cardiac; I am a Case Manager for an Interventional unit. There are several procedures that have replaced traditional surgeries and procedures. Previously when a patient needed to have blockages opened, it required open heart surgery. Technology has advanced to the point that a catheter can be thread into the femoral artery, up to the heart where a balloon or stent can be used to open the stenosis or blockage. Cardiologist also has the capabilities to perform other procedures as well, including valve repairs and some congenital defects such as PFO’s (Patent Foramen Ovale). The new advances in the field of cardiology are too numerous to expound on, however there are a couple more that are worth mentioning. A considerable number of patients have irregular heart rhythms, commonly known as Bradycardia or Tachycardia. Using the same approach, a lead can be placed on a designated area on the heart. A permanent pacemaker, a little larger than a silver dollar can be placed in the clavicular area to regulate the heart rate and/or rhythms. Another procedure that has become almost routine, is stenting of the Carotid Artery. The Carotid Artery is a major vessel that carries blood to the brain. It is not uncommon for patient’s to have blockages in these arteries. Left unattended the blockage can lead to Cerebral Vascular Accidents or Stroke. Strokes have the propensity to critically alter a patient’s physical and mental capabilities. It is amazing and encouraging that technological has advanced to point where these once life-threatening diseases can be treated non-invasively. These procedures has significantly decreased recovery time, cost, and length of hospital stay; major factors that add to the already stretched healthcare catastrophe.
In a continuing effort to decrease patient errors and make the nursing field more technologically efficient, the nursing profession has come a long way. Currently there are electronic scan devices used to verify the patient’s identity. When a patient is admitted to the hospital, they are assigned a specific medical record number that is precise for that admission; a sort of bar code. No other patient has that exact number. Technology has linked all patient related information, for that particular admission; including name, age, date of birth, and allergies by that number. Additionally, physician orders, medications, adverse reactions, contraindications, blood types, test, and, consultations are also linked. When the bedside nurse is ready to administer a certain medication, request test, draw blood, she simply takes the hand held scanner and scans the patient’s arm band. This verifies that one has the correct patient most importantly; and that the action about to be performed was indeed ordered for that particular patient. Scanning identifies drug inter-actions, dosage, and correctly charges the patient’s account. Basically, it verifies the “Five R’s”; right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, and right time. If it is not the correct patient, an alarm goes off.This procedure has significantly decreased the number of medication errors, decreased omissions, improves charting accuracy, and as an added benefit, it manages inventory, and correctly charges patient accounts. It has decreased the need for two nurses to verify medications. Just another way technology is changing the face of nursing for the betterment of the patient and the profession.
The technological advances in treating Heart Failure are astounding. Heart Failure is basically a condition where the heart is unable to pump the normal amount of blood. The inability to pump causes the blood to backs up, causing Congestive Heart Failure. This disease can cause shortness of breath, chronic cough, irregular heartbeat, loss of appetite, swelling in the extremities, and confusion. Additionally, patient can have other heart problems such as Tachycardia (fast heart beat) or Bradycardia (slow heart beat). Heart Failure, as a disease process, is so prevalent, that there local and national support groups. Academia has developed educational guidelines, protocols, and best practice to effectively manage the disease.In an effort to treat these conditions Cardiologist have used their knowledge and developed an AICD’s or Automatic Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators. This is an example of technology at its finest. This device is smaller than a pager and essentially helps the heart to function more efficiently and effectively. For patients with severe Heart Failure, that is unresponsive to conventional treatment there is an additional option; The Tandem Heart Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device. This device can also be inserted through the groin in the Cardiac Cath Lab. The Tandem Heart provides short term support, from a few hours, up to fourteen days. It allows the heart to rest, in order to try to regain its original function or as a bridge to transplant. The pump weighs about eight ounces. Advances in Heart Failure have given this group of patient’s the ability to live more productive lives.
This blogging experience and research has been retrospective, informative, and challenging. In that while researching technology, I was made aware of other factors that impact the profession that is my passion and livelihood. There are challenges that nursing as a profession have yet to solve. Some of those include, but are not limited to; the never-ending shortage, ageism, sexism, educational differences, self-scheduling, legal problems, and compensation just to name a few.
While this vast array of technology has substantially increased the effectiveness of the nursing and medical profession, it is not without troubles. The intricate and expensive medical equipment, procedures, and advances have prolonged life at a significant cost. Patient and families now have to determine exactly how much they are willing to do and at what cost. What constitutes a quality life? How will these new, often time life-saving advances be affected by the healthcare reform?
In regards to the nursing aspect, the technology has made the profession considerably better; it has positively impacted safety, efficiency, and finances. The one area that technology will be unable to replace is the human aspect of a nurse.
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