New Technological Advances and Developments in Nursing - Essay Example

Lecturer Essay # Technology and Nursing Introduction Technology has significantly impacted nearly all aspects of our lives. Thehealthcare setting has been changed greatly thanks to the advances in technology. In particular, there have been tremendous changes in the way nursing is practiced, and these changes are likely to continue into the future. This paper focuses on the emerging technologies that have contributed to the changes in the nursing field. Throughout this paper, some of the major technological developments in the field of nursing will be highlighted. In addition, the benefits of these technologies to both the healthcare service providers and the patients will also be discussed. 3-Dimensional printing, commonly referred to as 3D printing or additive manufacturing, is an emerging technology that has tremendously influenced the field of nursing. In simple terms, 3D printing refers to the laboratory building of objects layer by layer until the complete object is formed. The printing is usually done by a bioprinter and this requires that an existing object be scanned using a 3D scanner. The bioprinter uses the scan to come up with a replica of the object. The printing is usually done using materials such as ceramics, glass and metal. In an article by Carol Huston (2013), the author discusses the application of 3D printing in nursing. In the nursing field, 3D printing is now being used to create organs and body parts. These parts are then in turn given to patients who require them. For instance, as noted by Huston (2013), in February 2013, collaboration between doctors and engineers in Netherlands successfully led to the formation of a 3D print of a jaw that was implanted into an aged woman. The main material used in this case was titanium powder. In addition, 3D printing allows for the use of human tissues to print human organs. Using the recipient’s genetic matter, doctors and engineers are able to print out similar organs that can effectively replace the damaged ones. The tissues and organs printed using the genetic material of the patient help ensure that the patient successfully receives them without further complications. Although 3D printing is yet to be applied in large scale, it is likely that future improvements in the technology will allow for its commercial use. It is likely that, vital organs such as the heart, kidney and liver will be printed using this technology. Genetics is currently gaining a wide range of applications in the field of nursing. Through genetic testing, healthcare providers are able to predict the possibility of occurrence of a given disease or complication. In this case, gene mutations are studied in order to identify any patterns that put an individual at risk. This is particular important for both patients and service providers since it allows for early preparation in dealing with health problems. In addition, advances in genetic testing allow for the checking of inherited conditions before they manifest. According to Huston (2013), through genetic testing, it is expected that future nursing practice will be one of prevention as opposed to curing. Healthcare providers will be in a position to detect conditions early enough before they manifest. In addition, through the advancements in the communications sector, genetic data can easily be shared between the patient and doctor or between different doctors. Through this, the quality of care given to the patients improves. Genetic advances are also allowing for the growing of human organs. Using a patient’s tissues, researchers are able to grow a similar organ in the laboratory using stem cells. For instance, in 2013, researchers in Japan claimed that they had successfully grown a human kidney tissue using stem cells. Advancements and improvements in this field are likely to lead to successful growing of human organs in the laboratory. This is going to benefit patients greatly. Although robots have been around for a long time, their application in nursing has been somewhat limited. However, current advancements in robotics are changing the world of nursing. One of the fields in which robots are being applied is nanomedicine (Sweeney, 536). This is the application of nanotechnology, which involves manipulating matter on a very small scale, in treating and preventing diseases. In particular, current trends indicate that using nanorobotic machines, healthcare providers will be able to attend to individual cells in the human body. Currently, a technology referred to as Electroencephalography (EEG) exists. This technology allows for the reading of the human mind using mathematical algorithms. This helps in treating persons with brain impairments. Through robotics, important devices are being created that help in improving the quality of human health and life in general. For example, bionic eyes, which work with a small camera on a person’s eye glasses, send messages to an implant put on the retina. This helps in aiding vision for the visually challenged. As advancements in this field continue, it is likely that more of these robotic elements will be applied in future. For instance, it is expected that robots are going to be used in surgical procedures. These robots will help eliminate errors and limitations of human surgeons. In addition, robots will be applied in providing services to patients. For example, in Japan, service robots are used to provide services such as washing to patients. In addition, robots are being used by caregivers in enhancing their interaction with patients. An example of such discussed by Huston (2013) is the one developed in 2012 by iRobot Corp which helps communicates with patients and transmitting the data to physicians. Overall, robotics are already improving service delivery and enhancing the quality of care. The advancements in communication technologies have helped in the formation of electronic health records (Sweeney, 533). Through technology, the manner in which health records are stored and retrieved has greatly been improved. For example, the electronic health record (EHR) helps in storing the health history of a patient in digital form. Such information comes from various sources including clinics, healthcare service providers and hospitals. Such information can be accessed any time of the day. In addition, such records ensure that the privacy and confidentiality of the patient’s information is well safeguarded. This is likely to revolutionize the healthcare industry worldwide. For instance, in America, President Obama’s administration has supported the idea of having each American with an EHR by the end of 2014. Since information has become easy to transmit and share, electronic health records are likely to play an even more significant role in the nursing industry. Patients will benefit from enhanced healthcare quality and at the same time ensure that physicians are able to obtain relevant information about their patients in real time. EHR will ensure that patient actively take part in their care by providing relevant information to the physicians as far as their health is concerned. EHR will also lead to savings in the healthcare industry thereby benefiting the economy. Technological advancements have allowed for the creation of tools that allow for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of diseases. For example, in 2008 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed for small magnets to be inserted in the scalp behind the forehead to be used in treating depression. These magnets are used to generate small electric currents that target the part of the brain that is associated with depression. An example is the use of tattoos. These tattoos help in monitoring blood sugar level, and this is important for patients suffering from diabetes. In general, as these technologies continue to improve, the quality and speed of diagnosis and treatment is likely to be enhanced. Finally, according to the article by Huston (2013), the computerized Physician/provider Order Entry and Clinical Decision Support (CPOE) is a form of new technology that allows for patient orders to be written electronically. This is one way of reducing medical errors caused by inaccurate transcription. This software allows supports the decision making of the physician through its clinical decision support (CDS). CPOE is likely to improve the overall delivery of services and ensure quality of care. This will ensure patients get the best of care and also reduce costs to the economy Conclusion Throughout the paper, the major technological developments in the field of nursing have been discussed. It is evident that such technologies benefit the service providers, the patients and the economy in general. Although most of these technologies are not used on a large scale, future trends indicate that they will be adopted by many countries. It is therefore important for these technologies to receive the necessary support from the healthcare service providers and governments to ensure their successful adoption. The quality of healthcare services as well as the delivery speed is likely to improve as a result of these technologies. Works Cited Huston, Carol. "The Impact of Emerging Technology on Nursing Care: Warp Speed Ahead" OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, (May 31, 2013) Vol. 18, No. 2, Manuscript 1. November 24, 2014 Sweeney, Paula. The Effects of Information Technology On Perioperative Nursing. AORN Journal 92.5 (2010): 528-543. Web Read More