Answer 2 for NUR 514 Discuss the way communication technologies can enhance coordination of care by interprofessional teams

Communication technologies are a vital part of healthcare and inter-professional coordination of the healthcare teams. Healthcare teams need to have effective communication technologies in order to foster seamless collaboration which also ensures clear goals for the patient and ensures safer care. One of the most common communication technologies is a secure messaging platform which many different healthcare entities utilize which allows more open communication between providers when they may not be in close proximity to each other.

The hospital I am at uses Microsoft Teams and it is an excellent platform to hold meetings, post discussions, have open chats, and store useful resources. The instant and direct communication between team members is one of the most effective ways to communicate about outcomes, plans, and results. Systems such as this allow healthcare providers to exchange information and discuss patient cases quickly which allows for more efficient decision making and quicker treatments as well as ensures that all the team members are on the same page with regard to treatment plans, regimens, and any changes or adjustments.

Telehealth greatly utilizes these technologies and “has many points of contact with other medical and non medical applications, such as telediagnosis, teleconsultation, and telemonitoring” with all require forms of communication technologies (McGonigle, 2022).These technology systems allow inter-professional teams to connect, share ideas, and update each other on patient status to come together and coordinate a plan of care.  Nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and specialists can all communicate via these technology systems without the complications of being in different locations and possibly different times. Patients can start to receive the specialists suggested care sooner even prior to the specialists evaluation. For example, when stroke patients come to the emergency department, nurses and doctors from the ED can communicate with the neurologists prior to their arrival to discuss the patients case, assessment, and results in order for the neurologist to provide their suggested treatments prior to their own arrival. In cases as critical as strokes where “time is brain,” these communication technologies can be a factor in saving the patients quality of life by providing a better platform for effective communication between healthcare providers.

These technology systems are also secure channels that fall into the realm of compliance and maintain security and remain monitored and confidential while adhering to the HIPAA standards. This not only allows the rapid communication and treatment but also continues to ensure security and privacy that patients require and expect. These secure messaging platforms are a helpful tool in communication among healthcare teams. These systems hasten the flow of information among the team, encourage a cohesive approach to care, reduces delays, and minimizes errors which encourages teamwork among healthcare providers and improves quality of care.

References

McGonigle, D. & Mastrian, K. (2022). Nursing Informatics and the Foundation of Knowledge. (Fifth Edition). Jones & Bartlett.

Microsoft Teams for Healthcare. (2023). EPC Group. https://epcgroup.net/microsoft-teams-for-healthcare-industry/#:~:text=Microsoft%20Teams%20accelerates%20decision%2Dmaking,better%20outcome%20and%20personalized%20care