INTRODUCTION

Medical Technology can be defined as the technologies that diagnose, treat and/or improve a
person’s health and wellbeing, encompassing both low- and high-risk medical devices –
products that can be as varied from tongue depressors, surgical gloves and medical
thermometers to insulin pumps, pacemakers and in vitro diagnostics – and used to save the
lives.

Medical technologies can make life easier for medical professionals and patients alike.
Certain technologies can make patient care easier and more efficient for the doctors and
nurses who manage a large patient load. They can also assist patients in getting the care they
need with more convenient and accessible options.

The nursing profession finds many of these new medical technologies help them with routine
processes, as well as decrease human mistakes and errors that can come from too few nurses
who are working long hours with too many patients.

While nurses agree that new healthcare technology and innovative medical devices can help
them, they also agree that technology shouldn’t replace day-to-day human interactions.
Working directly with patients is a huge element of healthcare, and nurses provide a crucial
element of interaction that allows patients to feel at ease.

Professionals also largely agree there shouldn’t be an overreliance on healthcare software and
technology, and that human eyes on both symptoms and needs should be as important as what
healthcare technology is saying. While technological advancements aren’t a cure-all as
healthcare solutions, new technology is changing the way nurses work in positive ways.

ELECTRONIC MEDICAL/HEALTH RECORDS

Electronic Health Records (EHR) are replacing older paper filing methods. Electronic
Medical records or Health Records allow nursing experts to document care provided to
patients and retrieve information that can help prioritize care. Additionally, information
entered into computer systems can then be accessed by the care team, including doctors and
even patients themselves when necessary.

While security continues to be a concern for Electronic Health Records, HIPAA laws ensure
security and privacy of electronic records are maintained by healthcare organizations, and
new technology like blockchain and cryptography are easing privacy concerns.

1
EHRs can tell registered nurses (RNs) whether there are further steps they need to take for a
patient, monitor small condition changes, and give them information immediately as alerts or
reminders.

Real-time health updates impact the speed and accuracy of medical care. RNs learn how to
use software systems on the job, but their education and training will help them quickly
understand what different indications on medical records mean and what their course of
action should be to ensure improved patient outcomes.

PORTABLE MONITORS

Portable monitor equipment allows nursing professionals to check on patients, even if they’re
on the move or busy helping someone else. Portable devices monitor vital signs like ECG,
respiratory rates, and oxygen saturations while transmitting the information back to a central
monitor. This means that nurses will get an alarm notification if there’s an emergency.

Most hospitals have nurses check levels hourly. Portable monitoring technology allows
nurses to track and note stats at the right time, even if there are a lot of other things going on.
This helps them constantly monitor patients from anywhere in the hospital. The alerts and
alarms sent to nurses through the portable monitor can save lives.

Nurses learn at their specific hospital how to utilize portable monitors, and nursing schools
help teach students the value and general use of many common pieces of equipment.

WEARABLE DEVICES

Wearable devices and mobile apps are transforming the healthcare industry. Devices that help
track heart rates, exercise, sleep, respiration, and more are helping people take their health
into their own hands.

With increased accessibility to iPhones, nurses also benefit from apps and devices that help
them care for patients. For example, the Steth IO smartphone stethoscope is essentially a
stethoscope app that allows nurses and doctors to simply use their smartphone to get
breathing sounds and see heart rates. Using a phone can be less intimidating—especially for
younger patients—and gives providers a full range of information and easy tracking of
medical needs.

Wearable devices from health tracking to specific patient monitoring are often called the
future of healthcare. With access to huge amounts of data, wearable devices can help the
entire healthcare process, from diagnosis to recovery.

2
They also help remove elements of human error for nurses because the communication of
data comes directly from the device itself. It allows for faster record keeping and helps
patients and nurses maintain consistent monitoring of health.

Wearable devices from health tracking, to specific patient monitoring, are often called the
future of healthcare. With access to huge amounts of data, wearable devices can help the
entire healthcare process; from diagnosis to recovery.

Wearable devices help remove elements of human error for nurses, because the
communication of data comes directly from the device itself. It allows for faster record
keeping, and helps patients and nurses maintain consistent monitoring of health.

VENTILATORS

A ventilator is a device that supports or recreates the process of breathing by pumping air into
the lungs. Sometimes, people refer to it as a vent or breathing machine. Ventilators play an
important role in saving lives, in both hospitals and ambulances. People who require long-
term ventilation can also use them at home.

People require ventilation if they are experiencing respiratory failure. When this occurs, a
person cannot get enough oxygen and may not be able to expel carbon dioxide very well
either. It can be a life-threatening condition.

Types of ventilators

There are several ways a person can receive ventilator support. These include:

i. face mask ventilators

ii. mechanical ventilators

iii. manual resuscitator bags

iv. tracheostomy ventilators

 Face mask ventilator

A face mask ventilator is a noninvasive method of supporting a person’s breathing and

oxygen levels. To use one, a person wears a mask that fits over the nose and mouth while air
blows into their airways and lungs.

 Mechanical ventilator

Mechanical ventilators are machines that take over the breathing process entirely. Doctors use
these when a person cannot breathe on their own. Mechanical ventilators work via a tube in a
person’s throat, pumping air into the lungs and transporting carbon dioxide away.

3
  Manual resuscitator bags

Manual resuscitator bags are pieces of equipment that allow people to control the airflow of
their ventilator with their hands. These devices consist of an empty bag, or “bladder,” that a
person squeezes to pump air into the lungs. A person can attach one of these devices to a face
mask ventilator, or, if they are intubated, a doctor can attach one to the tube in their throat.

 Tracheostomy ventilator

People who have undergone a tracheostomy will require a ventilator.

A tracheostomy is a procedure where a doctor creates an opening in the windpipe and inserts
tube, which allows air to flow in and out. This enables a person to breathe without using their
nose or mouth.

SCANNING MACHINE

Medical scanners are used to produce pictures of the human body. Healthcare professionals
utilise these images to evaluate and assist in the diagnosis of a disease state. This allows for
the development of a personalised treatment plan for the patient. In addition, medical
imaging is also used to monitor patients for any future medical difficulties that may develop
over time. This is in conjunction with regular health screening programmes.

TYPES OF MEDICAL SCANNER

 X- Rays:

X-ray are now a general medical diagnostic procedure used to obtain images inside the
human body. The X-ray procedure only takes a few minutes. Diagnostic X-ray imaging of the
human skeleton is commonly used to ascertain whether any bones are damaged or broken.
Also, in dentistry, X-rays are useful for determining whether treatment is required and
evaluating the teeth’ health. In general, X-rays have been used to guide surgeons through
operational procedures; for example, in the detection of bone tumours.

 CT SCANNER:

The CT scanner is able to create an internal image of the human body by using a combination
of X-rays and computers. Ultimately, the CT scanner is an advanced X-ray machine that can
produce 3-D images of soft tissue inside the body. Furthermore, the CT scanner can imagine
several parts of the human body, including the skeleton, internal organs and blood vessels.

4
  MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGINGM(MRI):

Magnetic resonance imaging, known as an MRI scan, is a technique to produce cross-

sectional images of the human body. CT and MRI produce high-quality images that enable
healthcare professionals to evaluate the disease state in the patient.

 ULTRASOUND SCANNER

An ultrasound scanner produces images by passing high-frequency waves into the human
body. Ultrasound is widely used to obtain images of unborn children in real-time. They are
also used by surgeons for specific procedures to help them in the diagnosis of the patient.

TELENURSING
Telenursing is the use of telecommunication technology to deliver nursing services at a
distance. The nurse and the client are not in the same physical location but are connected
using technology such as videoconferencing, teleconferencing or email.

Professional Practice
Although telenursing changes how professional nursing services are delivered, it does not
fundamentally change the nature of nursing practice. The nursing process is foundational to
the delivery of care, but scope of practice of the NP, RN and LPN are different in the
provision of telenursing care.

 NPs engaged in telenursing use the nursing process to assess, order and interpret tests,
make diagnoses and develop plans of care including prescribing pharmacological and
non-pharmacological treatment.

 RNs engaged in telenursing use the nursing process to assess, plan, implement,
evaluate and document nursing care.

 LPNs engaged in telenursing are required by legislation to collaborate with the RN in

the development of the initial nursing plan of care and independently implement,
evaluate and document nursing care.

Competencies
Nurses are required to use their knowledge, skills and judgement to:

 appropriately assess clients;

 collaborate with clients to develop the nursing plan of care;

 implement interventions; and,

 evaluate the care.

5
Nurses must also recognize when telenursing is no longer meeting the needs of the client and
of a face-to-face assessment is required.

In addition, nurses who practice telenursing should consider additional knowledge, skills and
judgement (competencies) in:
• Client teaching;
• Communication;
• Counselling;

• Interpersonal skills; and,

• Use of telenursing technology.

Risk Management
Telenursing can be a higher-risk practice because it does not allow for the same contact as
face-to-face care. Employers should consider the following (not an exhaustive list) when
developing telenursing policies:

o Process to determine if telenursing will meet the client’s needs

o Choice of technology

o Management of care when telenursing no longer meets client’s needs

o Addressing situations when a client ends the nurse-client relationship before the nurse
is satisfied all concerns have been managed

o Consultation with another provider when the situation exceeds the nurse’s scope of
practice

o Procedure to follow if telenursing technology is not working or unavailable

o Informed consent (verbal, written, recorded)

o Privacy and confidentiality

o Documentation

o Security and ownership of client records

o Appropriate video/telephone behaviors

o Liability protection

o Process for ordering pharmacological, non-pharmacological and diagnostic tests

Sending and receiving consultations and referrals.

6
CONTEXT OF PRACTICE

o Nurses should consider the purpose of the client encounter when deciding if
telenursing is appropriate, whether it is an initial visit, a follow-up or a
consultation/referral from another provider.

o Nurses should consider if and/or how limited access to client health records or the
inability to perform a face-toface assessment might impact the ability to provide
comprehensive client care.

o Nurses should balance the risk to the client of using, versus not using, telenursing for
the encounter.

o They should consider the potential for adverse outcomes if the client is unable to
access care and telenursing is not an option.

Cross-Jurisdictional Practice
Nurses located either in Nova Scotia or outside of Nova Scotia (including temporary
relocation or vacation) engaging in nursing practice by electronic means (i.e. Telenursing) to
clients located inside and/or outside of Nova Scotia do not require licensure with NSCN
EXCEPT if they are an NSCN registrant.
Informed Consent

Telenursing is subject to the same regulatory standards and legislation concerning consent as
all other types of nursing care. Consent in telenursing may be implicit or explicit.

Confidentiality
All nurses have an ethical and legal responsibility to maintain the confidentiality of
information they obtain in the context of their professional relationships. In telenursing,
security, confidentiality and privacy are of utmost importance not only in terms of nurses’
interactions with clients, but also in ensuring that the technologies themselves are secure.

Therapeutic Nurse-Client Relationship

Therapeutic nurse-client relationships are purposeful, goal-directed relationships between a

nurse and a client based on trust and respect and ultimately, protect the client’s best interests.
This dynamic, goalorientated and client-centered relationship is designed to meet the needs of
the client. Regardless of the context or length of interaction, the therapeutic nurse-client

7
relationship protects the client’s dignity, autonomy and privacy and allows for the
development of trust and respect.

Documentation

Regardless of the role or setting in which a nurse practices, all nurse-client therapeutic
interactions are to be documented according to agency policies and other regulatory
guidelines. To ensure the consistency and accuracy of documentation in telenursing practice,
nurses should work with their employers in the development of related policies and
procedures. The Documentation Guidelines for Nurses provides nurses and employers with
specific guidance on how documentation should occur in telenursing practice.

AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATIONS

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic device used to diagnose

and treat life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias through defibrillation, the application of an
electric shock to the heart. AEDs are designed to be used by laypersons in emergency
situations to deliver a shock to restore normal heart rhythm in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.

There are generally two types of automated external defibrillators (AEDs):

1. Semi-automatic AEDs: These devices analyze the heart rhythm and prompt the user to
deliver a shock if necessary. The user typically needs to press a button to deliver the shock.

2. Fully automatic AEDs: These devices also analyze the heart rhythm but deliver the shock
automatically if needed, without the need for the user to press a button. The device assesses
the rhythm and administers the shock if it determines it is necessary.

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are primarily used in cases of sudden cardiac arrest
(SCA) to restore normal heart rhythm. They are commonly found in public places, such as
airports, schools, shopping centers, and sports arenas, as well as in medical settings like
hospitals and ambulances. AEDs can be used by trained individuals or even by bystanders
who may not have medical training but can follow simple instructions provided by the
device. Their main purpose is to deliver a life-saving electric shock to the heart to treat
ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, two potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Early defibrillation with an AED significantly increases the chances of survival for
individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.

ADVANTAGES OF AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS

8
Some advantages of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) include:

 Ease of Use

 Accessibility

 Speed

 Portability

 Safety Features

 Effectiveness

 Cost-Effectiveness

DISADVANTAGES OF AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS

 Limited Effectiveness

 Need for Training

 Maintenance Requirements

 Cost

 Misinterpretation of Instructions

 Limited Use

 Legal Liability

INFRARED THERMOMETERS

An infrared thermometer is a thermometer which infers temperature from a portion of

the thermal radiation sometimes called black-body radiation emitted by the object being
measured. They are sometimes called laser thermometers as a laser is used to help aim the
thermometer, or non-contact thermometers or temperature guns, to describe the device's
ability to measure temperature from a distance. By knowing the amount of infrared energy
emitted by the object and its emissivity, the object's temperature can often be determined
within a certain range of its actual temperature. Infrared thermometers are a subset of devices
known as "thermal radiation thermometers".

Types of Infrared thermometers:

1. Infrared Ear Thermometers: These are designed to measure the temperature inside the
ear canal. They are commonly used in medical settings and are quick and non-invasive.

9
2. Infrared Forehead Thermometers: These thermometers are held a short distance away
from the forehead and measure the infrared energy emitted by the skin to determine body
temperature. They are also widely used in medical settings and are suitable for quick
temperature checks.

3. Infrared Thermometer Guns: Also known as infrared laser thermometers or temperature

guns, these devices are handheld and point-and-shoot. They are used for measuring surface
temperatures of objects from a distance, such as machinery, food, or cooking surfaces.

4. Infrared Thermal Imaging Cameras: These are more advanced devices that create visual
representations of temperature variations across surfaces. They are used in various industries
for applications such as building inspections, electrical maintenance, and medical diagnostics.

USES OF INFRARED THERMOMETER

The uses of infrared thermometers vary depending on the type:

1. Medical Use: Infrared ear and forehead thermometers are commonly used in medical
settings to quickly and non-invasively measure body temperature. They are especially useful
for screening individuals for fever, which can be an indicator of illness.

2. Industrial and Manufacturing: Infrared thermometer guns are used in industrial and
manufacturing settings for measuring the temperature of machinery, equipment, or materials
from a safe distance.

3. Food Safety: Infrared thermometers are used in the food industry to measure the surface
temperature of food products, cooking surfaces, and refrigeration units.

4. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): Infrared thermometers are used by
HVAC technicians to measure the temperature of air vents, ducts, and heating or cooling
systems. They assist in diagnosing issues, optimizing system performance, and ensuring
comfort in indoor environments.

5. Automotive: Infrared thermometers are used in automotive maintenance and repair for
tasks such as checking engine temperature, diagnosing cooling system problems, and
inspecting brakes and tires for overheating.

6. Firefighting: Infrared thermal imaging cameras are used by firefighters to detect heat
sources, locate hot spots, and assess the spread of fires in smoke-filled or low-visibility
environments.

ADVANTAGES OF INFRARED THERMOMETER

10
The advantages of infrared thermometers include:

 Non-contact Measurement

 Quick Results

 Safety

 Versatility

 Portability

 Accuracy

 Convenience

 Cost-Effectiveness

DISADVANTAGES OF INFRARED THERMOMETERS

Some disadvantages of infrared thermometers include:

 Limited Measurement Range

 Surface Measurement Only

 Emissivity Consideration

 Interference

 Calibration Requirements

 Distance-to-Spot Ratio

 Cost

11
SUMMARY/CONCLUSION

New medical technologies can make life easier for medical professionals and patients alike.
Certain technologies can make patient care easier and more efficient for the doctors and
nurses who manage a large patient load. They can also assist patients in getting the care they
need with more convenient and accessible options.

12
REFERENCES

INAHTA (International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment). (8 June

2009).

Marvin, Kevin (2017). "Health Information Technology: Integration, Patient Empowerment,

and Security". American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. 74 (2): 36–
38. ISSN 1079-2082.

Schlander, Michael (2007). Health Technology Assessments by the National Institute for
Health and Clinical Excellence: A Qualitative Study. New York: Springer
Science+Business Media. p. 173.

Thimbleby, Harold (1 December 2013). "Technology and the Future of Healthcare". Journal
of Public Health Research. 2 (3): e28.

13