Nursing Informatics RUA Paper: We Can, But Dare We?
PURPOSE
The purpose of this assignment is to investigate smartphone and social media
use in healthcare and to apply professional, ethical, and legal principles to their
appropriate use in healthcare technology.
Course Outcomes:
Preparing for the Assignment:
BACKGROUND :
Healthcare is readily embracing any technology to improve patient outcomes, streamline operations,
and lower costs, but we must also consider the impact of such technology on privacy and patient care.
This technology includes the use of social media applications, such as Facebook, Instagram, MySpace,
Twitter, and LinkedIn on smartphones.
This assignment enables the student to meet the following questions:
Investigate safeguards and decision making support tools embedded in patient care ‐
technologies and information systems to support a safe practice environment for both
patients and healthcare workers.
Discuss the principles of data integrity, professional ethics, and legal requirements
related to data security, regulatory requirements, confidentiality, and client’s right to
privacy.
Discuss the value of best evidence as a driving force to institute change in the delivery
of nursing care
Investigate safeguards and decision making support tools ‐
embedded in patient care technologies and information systems
to support a safe practice environment for both patients and
healthcare workers.
INTRODUCTION:
The rapid advancement of technology has significantly impacted the healthcare industry, offering
numerous benefits in improving patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and cost reduction. One
aspect of this technology integration involves the use of smartphones and social media applications in
healthcare. While these tools have the potential to enhance communication and collaboration among
healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers, their use also raises ethical, professional, and legal
concerns.
In this paper, we will explore the implications of smartphone and social media use in healthcare and
apply professional, ethical, and legal principles to their appropriate use in healthcare technology.
Specifically, we will investigate the safeguards and decision-making support tools embedded in patient
care technologies and information systems that contribute to a safe practice environment for both
patients and healthcare workers.
BODY:
Benefits of Smartphone and Social Media Use in Healthcare: a. Improved Communication: Smartphone
applications and social media platforms enable healthcare professionals to communicate efficiently,
share vital patient information, and collaborate in real-time, leading to enhanced care coordination and
patient outcomes. b. Patient Engagement: Social media platforms can be utilized to educate and engage
patients in their healthcare journey, promoting self-management and facilitating peer support. c. Rapid
Information Access: Healthcare providers can quickly access medical references, clinical guidelines, and
research studies through smartphones, aiding in evidence-based decision making at the point of care. d.
Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring: Smartphone applications facilitate telehealth services, enabling
remote consultations, monitoring of chronic conditions, and providing timely interventions, particularly
