Introduction
Modern technologies and informatics are transforming how medical care is delivered to different patients (Lee, 2014). The intensive care unit (ICU) is one of the departments that can benefit from the use of informatics to support the health needs of more patients in need of critical care. Using the issues presented in the “Intelligent Hospital Pavilion ICU”, this discussion outlines the risks and benefits that are available to nurses and patients. The essay also identifies the unique benefits of the technology described in the video and why it should be embraced by practitioners.
Beneficial Elements to Nurses and Patients
It is agreeable that ICUs should be equipped with advanced systems and technologies because they target patients in critical conditions. That being the case, the hi-tech informatics and systems presented in the video can make a significant difference for many caregivers. When nurses are empowered and equipped with advanced technologies, they can communicate with one another, share ideas, and support their patients. The health technology can be used by nurses to broadcast the relevant information and guide the targeted clients. Nurses can use the technology to calculate and monitor dosages (Intelligent Hospital TV, 2014). The strategy will guide nurses to prevent malpractices and medication errors.
The video shows clearly that new technologies can ensure specimens coming in and out of the ICU are monitored easily. This will be the same case for medicines. This means that the duties of more nurses will be simplified. The technology will also support the health needs of the clients. The use of modern equipment such as stethoscopes can transform how medical practice is done (Lee, 2014). Tracking systems, automation, and modern equipment empower practitioners to meet their patients’ needs.
The above discussion shows clearly that empowered nurses will offer quality patient support. Additionally, the video explains how improved technologies create the best environment for communication. The patient benefits from an increased level of privacy (Fenton, Gongora-Ferraez, & Joost, 2012). The inclusion of powerful systems makes the ICU convenient, safe, and peaceful for the client. These attributes will shorten the healing process.
Specific technologies such as bedside sonogram machines are recommended in the video. Such machines monitor the progress and health outcome of the patient. Different attributes such as blood pressure, heartbeat rate, and internal body functions are monitored by the machine (Intelligent Hospital TV, 2014). The physician or nurse will receive the intended information promptly and respond accordingly. These technologies improve data collection, care delivery, and healing. These achievements are therefore beneficial to the targeted patient.
Risks for Nurses and Patients
The video explains how the use of modern technology in healthcare is gaining much attention than ever before. The technology makes it easier for practitioners and nurses to achieve their goals. Unfortunately, various risks can arise from the use of such technologies in the ICU. For instance, intelligent ICU is characterized by autonomous equipment and machines that monitor the patient. The technological breakdown will affect the quality of care available to different patients (Fenton et al., 2012).
System malfunctions, vandalism, and power interruptions can affect the integrity of the ICU. Such risks can, therefore, affect the health outcomes of more patients. Nurses and physicians should be educated to use the technologies adequately (Lee, 2014). Misinterpretations can result in negative health outcomes. Healthcare institutions embracing the use of such technologies should, therefore, consider these risks and mitigate them accordingly.
Benefits and Risks
The integration of modern informatics in the ICU unit should be described as an ingenious move. This is true because technology simplifies the healthcare delivery process (Intelligent Hospital TV, 2014). Physicians and nurses can use different machines to ensure the needs of more patients are addressed promptly. Technology improves the level of privacy thereby streamlining the healing process. The use of modern technologies can guide nurses to minimize the chances of committing errors whenever caring for ICU patients. The use of advanced technology has the potential to improve communication and information sharing. The patient also benefits from the safety measures associated with modern technology. Dosage calculation is improved in the unit. Nurses can monitor the experiences and health outcomes of more patients simultaneously. This is the case because the machines are linked to one another.
On the other hand, the presented ICU can face numerous challenges when the machines break down. Practitioners who might not be conversant with the technologies will affect the healthcare delivery process (Fenton et al., 2012). More practitioners might relax and fail to offer evidence-based care to their respective patients. Power interruptions and malfunctions will disorient every healthcare delivery process.
Supporting Technology
This discussion shows clearly that modern ICU presents numerous benefits to physicians, clients, and nurses. Medical practitioners should embrace technology because it simplifies how health services are delivered to more patients. The technologies reduce challenges, prevent errors, improve coordination, and maximize health outcomes (Lee, 2014). The adoption of modern health informatics in the ICU will ensure the needs of more patients are met.
References
Fenton, S., Gongora-Ferraez, M., & Joost, E. (2012). Health information technology knowledge and skills needed by HIT employers. Applied Clinical Informatics, 3(4), 448-461. doi:10.4338/ACI-2012-09-RA-0035
Intelligent Hospital TV. (2014, April 29). The ICU at the 2014 Intelligent Hospital Pavilion [Video file].
Lee, A. (2014). The role of informatics in nursing. Nursing Made Incredibly Easy, 12(4), 55-62. doi:10.1097/01.NME.0000450294.60987.00