Remote monitoring systems, such as 3-D cameras, laser imaging devices, and high definition video — to name a few — are allowing nurses to assess patients more easily than ever before. Patients are being informed, connected, and activated through social networks, and care providers are accessing information instantly through mobile devices, data dashboards, and virtual learning systems. With these innovations come changes in workflow, new decisionmaking processes, learning curves as staff are trained, and an evolution in the patient-provider relationship.
LASER SCANS AND WOUND CARE – Laser measurement technology and a camera are used to create 3-D images, which accurately measure the wound size and depth, and record a high-definition image of the wound. (Image courtesy of ARANZ Medical)
Patient Engagement Now Playing: Using Smart TV to Improve the Hospital Experience, the second case study in a series, looks at the use of interactive TV systems to engage inpatients in their care environments.
This series explores different areas of technology innovation in the field of nursing: instant information, patient engagement, telehealth, social networks for population health, and electronic Intensive Care Unit (eICU). It features members of the Innovation Learning Network (ILN), a community of health care leaders and innovators focused on making health care better through good design.
The first two case studies, as well as a prior report on this topic, Equipped for Efficiency: Improving Nursing Care Through Technology, are available under Document Downloads.