Nurses play a crucial role in the healthcare industry. However, working as a nurse can be very demanding and stressful, leading to high levels of burnout. Burnout is a chronic condition characterized by exhaustion, detachment from work, and loss of motivation. It not only affects the well-being of nurses but also impacts patient care.
Technology has been instrumental in transforming many aspects of the healthcare industry, including reducing nurse burnout causes. In this blog post, we will explore how various technological advancements have helped mitigate nurse burnout.
- Electronic Health Records (EHR)
Before EHR systems became popularized within the healthcare industry, paper-based record-keeping was employed for managing medical data on patients. However, this approach had several limitations that made it challenging to integrate with other Information Technology entities.
EHRs allow for reliable electronic record management, easily accessible at any time or location with an internet connection. This enables easy coordination among numerous stakeholders, including doctors and pharmacists, who can view all relevant information about each patient through integrated networks. This integration ensures continuity and optimization of communication processes between multiple departments, which could lead to higher-quality care outcomes. It can also lower the levels of complications requiring additional interventions throughout longer treatment periods when compared with manual charts.
- Telehealth/Telemedicine
In addition to addressing geographical constraints faced by some communities when accessing prompt medical attention, telehealth platforms and telemedicine have become essential tools. These platforms allow medical care to be provided anywhere people reside, giving them access to healthcare that previously either did not exist or was difficult to access due to lesser proximity. Telehealth platforms provide the opportunity to reach individuals rapidly, overcoming placement difficulties that might otherwise hinder patient accessibility. This approach conveniently enables timely access to potentially life-saving treatments or preventive procedures.
Barriers ranging from socioeconomic reasons, such as cost barriers and the inability to afford transportation or limited access due to caregiving responsibilities, may cause people to find it challenging to seek traditional sources of care, such as visiting outpatient clinics or hospitals in person. Additionally, telemedicine reduces the amount of direct contact time with clerical and administrative staff, allowing physicians and nurses to dedicate more time to clinical practice. This subsequently increases primary care capacity and reduces burnout.
- Task Automation
Nursing is a multi-disciplinary profession that demands the coordination of multiple stakeholders to deliver quality care to patients. Manual scheduling of appointments and managing daily routines can lead to challenges and potentially cause errors, as well as loss of productivity resulting from inefficient task structures within departments. Advances in technology have introduced automated systems like computerized appointment scheduling software. These systems streamline communication between different teams, reducing instances of misinterpretations or replacement mistakes that commonly lead to inaccurate planning or outcomes. This streamlining also reduces difficulties in handling workloads, making it easier for nurses to stay focused without adding excessive administrative burdens on top of their existing responsibilities.
- Wearable Technologies
Given the tight budgets for hospital supplies, investing resources into staff health benefits, wellness programs, or ventures might feel unnecessary. However, wearable devices have emerged as an alternative solution for monitoring psychological and physical well-being. These devices track characteristics such as heart rate variability (HRV), sleep analysis, and resting pulse rates, providing valuable insight for assessing overall nurse welfare. They can check for bedsores or provide individual estimations about how much energy nurses have left, giving early warning indicators before burnout symptoms become symptomatic. Some examples of reports include using monitored calendars to track shift hours and mileage reimbursement reminders keeping tabs on what is happening mentally and emotionally while working, and offering clear recommendations during medical treatment facility aftercare. This proactive approach enhances both individual well-being and patient care quality.
- Telecommuting Solutions
Following the period of “The Big Pause” experienced globally over the past year-plus due to COVID-19 constraints, numerous healthcare facilities began exploring digital sharing platforms company-wide, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and other remote-connection avenues. These platforms allowed people to have access without requiring a physical presence, fostering connection opportunities and maintaining team morale despite physical distance or hazards. Whether voluntary or mandated due to exclusion protocols, this approach reduced unnecessary exposure points for employees, thereby mitigating their burnout levels associated with overworked conditions and stress. By incorporating virtual office communication strategies, healthcare facilities maintained social connection and engagement among team members.
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Conclusion
Overall, technology has played a pivotal role in addressing nurse burnout within the healthcare industry. From automating menial tasks and managing electronic health records to telemedicine platforms and wearable technologies, technology supports the enhancement of productive technological developments that directly impact nurses’ efficiency, subsequently affecting patient outcomes and overall well-being during caregiving. These solutions have helped reduce demands related to stressors, allowing more resiliency to be built into clinical practice culture and work environments. Undoubtedly, these advancements will benefit both patients and care teams alike.
