Technology’s promise is not a panacea

Technology’s promise is not a panacea  Improvements in healthcare technology are often met with high praise, but a recent presentation by Marge Funk, RN and nursing researcher at Yale-New Haven Hospital suggests that nurses maintain their caution—and common sense—when adopting new techniques and technologies.

When approaching technology, Funk advocates four guidelines to follow.

Use technology appropriately. Just because a new technology or test is more complex or expensive does not always make it the most effective.

Use technology safely. Every technology has its risks, and weighing those risks for each patient is important. Not every technology is right for every patient.

Use technology equitably. Prejudice should not exist when determining which procedures to give to a patient.

Use technology humanely. Technology cannot replace human decision-making skills in a healthcare setting.

You can read the full article here. Let us know your experiences with implementing nursing technology in the comments!

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