Implementing technology to support the deteriorating patient in acute care: evaluating staff views

Irons, A., McPeake, J. , Stuart, J., MacNeilage, S., Fisher, A.-F., Cooper, M. and Johnston, B. (2021) Implementing technology to support the deteriorating patient in acute care: evaluating staff views. British Journal of Nursing, 30(16), pp. 950-955. (doi: 10.12968/bjon.2021.30.16.950) (PMID:34514835)

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Publisher's URL: https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2021.30.16.950

Abstract

Background: Early warning scores (EWS) have been widely used to aid in the detection of deterioration. The use of technology, alongside EWS, may improve patient safety and lead to improvements in the accuracy of documentation. Aim: The aim of this service evaluation was to understand nurses' and healthcare support worker views around the implementation of handheld electronic devices for documenting care related to the deteriorating patient. Methods: Before the implementation of an electronic handheld device, in-depth semi-structured interviews with nursing staff and healthcare support workers were undertaken to explore the context for improvement. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used to analyse, organise and present data, to ensure systematic inquiry across the range of potential facilitators and challenges perceived by staff. In all, 11 interviews were undertaken across three speciality areas (four wards). Findings: Challenges to the use of new technology included staff apprehension around training and education needs and the uncertainty of technological reliability in the clinical setting. Potential facilitators to support the implementation of this technology were: the potential for improved communication across the individual ward and hospital setting and the potential for more streamlined processes for escalation of concerns. Conclusion: Three main recommendations for practice emerged. First, nurses should be involved in the development of the systems. Appropriate time is required to embed the technology in practice. Finally, thought must be given not just to the absolute number of devices required and their reliability, but also how new technology interacts in each individual context.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:Funding: This work was supported by a Chief Nursing Officer (Scotland) Vale of Leven Implementation Science Fellowship. Joanne McPeake was supported by a Chief Nursing Officer (Scotland) Fellowship for the duration of this study.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Cooper, Dr Mark and McPeake, Dr Jo and Johnston, Professor Bridget
Authors: Irons, A., McPeake, J., Stuart, J., MacNeilage, S., Fisher, A.-F., Cooper, M., and Johnston, B.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Nursing and Health Care
Journal Name:British Journal of Nursing
Publisher:M A Healthcare Ltd.
ISSN:0966-0461
ISSN (Online):2052-2819
Published Online:11 September 2021

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