Introduction
As a nursing student, my journey with technology and data management has been both enlightening and challenging, reflecting the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are integral to modern nursing, enhancing patient care through tools like electronic health records (EHRs) and telehealth systems. This essay aims to reflect on my personal experiences with these technologies, identifying areas of skill and those requiring further development. Additionally, it will explore the importance of clinical judgment and critical thinking in the context of ICT, as well as potential ethical and legal issues associated with their use, alongside strategies to mitigate risks. By examining these aspects, I hope to underscore the balance between technological reliance and professional responsibility in nursing practice.
Personal Experience with Technology and Data Management
My exposure to technology in nursing has primarily involved EHRs and clinical decision support systems during placements. I feel confident in navigating basic EHR interfaces to input patient data and retrieve medical histories, a skill honed through practical exposure and university training. However, my proficiency in advanced data analysis—such as interpreting trends from patient monitoring systems—is limited. I often struggle with integrating multiple data sources to form a cohesive care plan, indicating a need for further skill development. Additionally, while I am comfortable using communication tools like secure messaging for team coordination, I lack expertise in telehealth platforms, an area increasingly vital in modern healthcare (NHS England, 2020). To address this, I intend to pursue additional workshops and simulations focused on remote care technologies, ensuring I am better equipped for future practice.
The Role of Clinical Judgment and Critical Thinking
While ICT offers significant benefits, such as real-time data access, clinical judgment and critical thinking remain paramount. Technology, though a powerful tool, is not infallible; system errors or data misinterpretations can compromise patient safety. For instance, over-reliance on automated alerts from clinical decision support systems may lead to confirmation bias, where nurses accept suggestions without questioning their relevance (Goodman, 2019). During a placement, I encountered a situation where an EHR flagged a medication dosage as safe, yet my mentor’s clinical judgment identified a potential allergy risk, preventing a harmful error. This experience taught me that critical thinking—evaluating data in context with patient history and clinical guidelines—must prevail over blind trust in technology. Indeed, nurses must act as a final safeguard, ensuring that technological outputs align with holistic patient needs.
Ethical and Legal Issues in ICT Use
The integration of ICT in nursing raises several ethical and legal concerns, notably around data privacy and accountability. Breaches of patient confidentiality, whether through unauthorised access to EHRs or insecure data transmission, pose significant risks. Legally, nurses are bound by regulations such as the Data Protection Act 2018 and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which mandate strict data safeguarding (Information Commissioner’s Office, 2018). Ethically, there is a duty to maintain trust; any misuse of data can erode patient confidence. Furthermore, issues of accountability arise when technology fails—determining whether the error lies with the system or the user can be complex. To mitigate these risks, robust training on data security protocols is essential, alongside adherence to NHS guidelines on encryption and access controls (NHS Digital, 2021). Regular audits and fostering a culture of ethical awareness can further minimise vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
In summary, my experience with technology in nursing reveals strengths in basic data management but highlights gaps in advanced analytical and telehealth skills, which I aim to address through targeted learning. Critically, while ICT enhances efficiency, clinical judgment and critical thinking remain indispensable to ensure patient safety and care quality. Moreover, ethical and legal challenges, particularly concerning privacy and accountability, necessitate vigilance and proactive risk management strategies. As nursing continues to integrate technology, balancing innovation with professional responsibility will be crucial. This reflection not only informs my personal development but also underscores the broader implications for safe, ethical practice in an increasingly digital healthcare environment.
References
- Goodman, B. (2019) ‘Technology and the future of nursing: Ethical challenges and opportunities’, Nursing Ethics, 26(5), pp. 1281-1290.
- Information Commissioner’s Office (2018) Guide to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). ICO.
- NHS Digital (2021) Data Security and Information Governance. NHS Digital.
- NHS England (2020) Telehealth and Connected Digital Systems. NHS England.
