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NURSING SCIENCE
Leveraging digital technology in nursing

Article Critique by Carliss Ramos, DNP, RN

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Title:
Leveraging digital technology in nursing
Published: January 2, 2023, in Health Emergency and Disaster Nursing
Level of Evidence: Level E
What was the purpose of the article?
This article identified three virtual nursing initiatives: virtual intensive care nursing, acute care telenursing, and telesitter services, and explained how each of these provides nursing support while improving patient safety.
What was the population written about?
The virtual nursing initiatives were implemented at various times between 2020 through 2022 within Houston Methodist’s flagship Texas Medical Center hospital. The Virtual Intensive Care Unit (VICU) was first implemented in four separate ICUs covering 126 beds. Acute telenursing rolled out in June 2022, offering coverage in four inpatient acute care units covering 137 beds. Telesitter services are used in addition to fall prevention strategies in clinical situations for patients that meet the criteria.
Where was the setting? Can the interventions be implemented in other locations?
The virtual nursing initiatives were implemented at Houston Methodist and could be implemented in other settings with strategic innovation and resources, including technical infrastructure.
Did they use appropriate methods?
Yes, the authors described the organization’s virtual nursing initiatives, the purpose of each initiative, the implementation process, and the outcomes.
How is this important for nursing?
As the nursing shortage continues to grow, the future of nursing relies on capturing opportunities to relieve nurse burdens. The article highlights opportunities for nurses outside of traditional nursing settings. These initiatives were the starting point for more advanced technology enhancements such as “smart physiological monitoring, virtual reality training for nurses, and the use of artificial intelligence-enabled predictive modalities for patient care” (Hehman et al., 2023).
Read the full article ›
Reference:
Hehman, M.C., Fontenot, N.M., Drake, G.K., & Musgrove, R.S. (2023). Leveraging digital technology in nursing. Health Emergency and Disaster Nursing, 10, 41-45. https://doi.org/10.24298/hedn.2022-0014