NR 361 Week 7 Discussion

NR 361 Week 7 Discussion

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-361: RN Information Systems in Healthcare

Prof. Name

Date

Personal Communication Devices in Healthcare

The use of personal communication devices (PCDs) in healthcare settings has sparked much debate, especially regarding its impact on patient care. On the one hand, PCDs can offer significant benefits, such as aiding in the accessibility of information that may assist in patient care. For instance, nurses can use their smartphones to quickly look up doctor information or communicate with family members regarding the care of their loved ones. However, there are also potential negative impacts. Personal communication devices can serve as distractions, diverting the attention of healthcare professionals from their primary duties. This could lead to errors or decreased quality of care. Therefore, while PCDs can be useful, their use must be managed carefully to ensure patient safety.

Ethical and legal concerns are closely tied to the use of personal communication devices in healthcare settings. A significant issue is the potential breach of patient confidentiality, which could violate the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). When nurses use their personal devices inappropriately, such as posting on social media without realizing that sensitive patient information might be disclosed, they risk legal repercussions, including civil or criminal penalties. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), such actions can lead to fines, jail time, and even the loss of a nursing license. Therefore, healthcare workers must remain mindful of the ethical and legal obligations that accompany their use of personal devices at work.

Professional literature also highlights how communication devices can support safe nursing practice. According to Hebda and Czar (2013), mobile devices can enhance workflow, improve access to information, and promote evidence-based practice, all of which contribute to better decision-making at the point of care. However, for these benefits to be fully realized, nurses must use these devices responsibly, ensuring that patient confidentiality is not compromised in the process. By doing so, nurses can leverage the portability and functionality of mobile devices to improve patient outcomes while adhering to ethical and legal standards.

Table: Use of Personal Communication Devices in Healthcare

References

Hebda, T., & Czar, P. (2013). Handbook of informatics for nurses & healthcare professionals (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

NR 361 Week 7 Discussion

National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2011, August). White paper: A nurse’s guide to the use of social media. Retrieved from https://www.ncsbn.org/Social_Media.pdf