Discharge Planning In the Age of Technology

Centeno, Jeanette . Canadian Journal of Nursing Informatics ; Vancouver  Vol. 11, Iss. 1,  (Winter 2016).

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ABSTRACT
 
(Free) * Blood Pressure Lite- graphs, collects, and tracks blood pressure changes. [...]discharge planning can
reduce the amount of readmissions if the proper tools are given.

FULL TEXT
 
MOBILE TECHNOLOGY COLUMN
Our column on mobile technologies and applications (Apps) is written by Jeanette Centeno a nurse at Kessler
Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey and currently works in the Spinal Cord Unit. This facility is well known for
its innovative rehab and nursing care.
By Jeanette Centeno, RN
COLUMN
As part of the health care team, nurses need to attune to their patients' needs to make sure that the transition
between hospital and home goes smoothly, especially since the burden of care falls to either the patient or family
members. Key factors play a role in discharge planning, and education is essential to facilitate a successful
transition.
Studies have shown that elders have a reduction in readmission if a patient has an effective discharge plan and
proper education. For instance, a patient who is a brittle diabetic may feel more empowered if he/she is given not
just education but tools to help track information. Smart phones have ideally bridged the gap in follow-up care by
providing tools and easy access to information.
Three top APPS for iPhone and Android for diabetics include:
*
Diabetes Logbook- Easy to read and use to help diabetics make healthy food choices. (Free)
*
Calorie Counter PRO - food logging features to track weight and count calories. ($5.49 iPhone; Free Android)
*
mySugr Diabetes Logbook- designed for type1 &2 diabetes, quick easy login, daily, weekly, and monthly analysis
and much more. (Free)
If a patient is struggling with high or low blood pressure, there are APPS that can help track trends and alert the
patient to inform their doctor. Patients with blood pressure issues can easily monitor changes and make healthy
decisions that impact their health.
Two user-friendly blood pressure APPS include:
*
Blood Pressure Companion- provides a blood pressure, heart rate, and weight tracker. Calculates readings, shows
statistics, charts measurements, and alerts you of doctor visits and much more. (Free)
*
Blood Pressure Lite- graphs, collects, and tracks blood pressure changes.
Thus, discharge planning can reduce the amount of readmissions if the proper tools are given. Teaching a patient

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is important but empowering them and giving them the tools that they can use to care for themselves is priceless.
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DETAILS

Subject: Planning; Diabetes; Smartphones; Informatics; Blood pressure

Publication title: Canadian Journal of Nursing Informatics; Vancouver

Volume: 11

Issue: 1

Publication year: 2016

Publication date: Winter 2016

Section: Mobile Technology Column

Publisher: Canadian Journal of Nursing Informatics, Editor in Chief June Kaminski

Place of publication: Vancouver

Country of publication: Canada, Vancouver

Publication subject: Medical Sciences--Nurses And Nursing

Source type: Scholarly Journals

Language of publication: English

Document type: Journal Article

ProQuest document ID: 1778775765

Document URL: https://search.proquest.com/docview/1778775765?accountid=12763

Copyright: Copyright Canadian Journal of Nursing Informatics, Editor in Chief June Kaminski
Winter 2016

Last updated: 2016-04-06

Database: ProQuest Central

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