As nurses, we complete physical assessments on a routine basis, even though they are typically focused assessments. What type of technology have you seen utilized in your assessment process that assists in your effectiveness to communicate findings both orally and in written format? If you have not seen or utilized technology in your assessment process, how do you ensure effective communication for assessment findings?
At least 400 words and a scholarly source.
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Introduction:
Physical assessment is a critical aspect of nursing practice, and it plays a key role in the delivery of quality care to patients. Regular physical assessments assist in identifying any changes in a patient’s health status and provide early intervention to prevent complications. Technology has revolutionized the nursing profession, and it has brought significant improvements in the assessment process. In this essay, we will discuss the technologies that have been utilized in the assessment process, and if you have not seen or utilized technology in your assessment process, how to ensure effective communication for assessment findings.
Technologies Utilized in the Assessment Process:
The advancement in technology has brought several technologies that have transformed the nursing profession. The most commonly used technology in nursing includes electronic health records (EHR) and telehealth. EHR is a digital version of a patient’s medical record that contains information about their health conditions, medications, allergies, and laboratory results. EHRs assist in the documentation of physical assessment findings, and they make it easy for the nursing staff to access and communicate the information with other healthcare providers, both orally and in written format. Telehealth is another technology that nurses have utilized in their assessment process. It is a method of delivering healthcare services to patients using electronic communication technologies such as video conferencing, remote patient monitoring, and mobile health applications. Telehealth enables nurses to assess patients remotely, and it improves communication between healthcare providers and patients in rural and remote areas.
Effective Communication For Assessment Findings:
If you have not seen or utilized technology in your assessment process, there are several ways to ensure effective communication for assessment findings. Firstly, nurses should develop effective communication skills to deliver their findings both orally and in written format. Nurses should use medical terminology when describing their findings to other healthcare providers. Secondly, ensuring clear documentation of the patients’ physical assessments. Documentation assists medical practitioners to make accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. Thirdly, employing an interdisciplinary approach that includes consulting other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive comprehensive care. Interdisciplinary care improves communication between healthcare providers, and it enhances patient outcomes.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, technologies such as EHRs and telehealth have transformed the nursing profession by making the assessment process more effective and enhancing communication between healthcare providers. The use of technology in the assessment process has facilitated the communication of physical assessment findings both orally and in written format. Nurses who have not experienced or utilized technology in their assessment process should develop effective communication skills, ensure clear documentation, and employ an interdisciplinary approach to deliver quality care to patients.
