NR 361 Week 7 Discussion

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-361: RN Information Systems in Healthcare

Prof. Name:

Date

Week 7 Discussion: Personal Communication Devices in Healthcare

The use of personal communication devices by nurses in healthcare settings is a topic of considerable debate. These devices can influence patient care both positively and negatively, raising significant ethical and legal implications. The discussion below explores these dimensions while referencing relevant professional literature.

Impacts of Personal Communication Devices on Patient Care

Personal communication devices can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on patient care. On the positive side, these devices provide opportunities for nurses to enhance communication and workflow efficiency. For instance, a nurse may use a smartphone to look up a doctor’s contact information to assist a patient’s family, facilitating timely communication. Devices such as smartphones can also support evidence-based practice by offering quick access to clinical guidelines and resources, which may improve decision-making at the point of care.

Conversely, personal communication devices may distract nurses from their primary responsibilities, compromising patient safety. The improper use of these devices can result in divided attention, potentially leading to errors or omissions in care. Moreover, the risk of privacy breaches is heightened in healthcare settings. Sharing information on social media or using devices without appropriate safeguards may inadvertently expose confidential patient data, thereby undermining trust and violating ethical standards.

Ethical and Legal Implications

The ethical and legal ramifications of using personal communication devices in healthcare are profound. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), healthcare professionals are required to protect patient privacy and confidentiality. The misuse of devices, such as sharing identifiable patient information on social media, may lead to severe consequences. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), improper use of social media by nurses can result in civil and criminal penalties, including fines, loss of licensure, and even imprisonment. Nurses may also face personal liability for defamation, invasion of privacy, or harassment if patient information is mishandled.

Despite these risks, professional guidelines recognize that personal devices, when used responsibly, can serve as valuable tools for communication and education. Nurses must remain vigilant to ensure that any use of communication devices aligns with legal requirements and ethical standards to avoid jeopardizing patient confidentiality.

Literature on Communication Devices and Safe Nursing Practice

The professional literature highlights the potential of communication devices to support safe nursing practice when used appropriately. For example, Hebda and Czar (2013) emphasize the portability and convenience of these devices, which can improve information access, streamline workflows, and enhance the delivery of evidence-based care. Such tools empower nurses to make informed decisions and provide timely care to patients. However, the literature also cautions against the unregulated use of these devices, stressing the importance of adherence to privacy laws and institutional policies.

In conclusion, personal communication devices have the potential to enhance patient care but must be used with caution to mitigate risks. Nurses must balance the benefits of technology with their ethical and legal responsibilities, ensuring that patient privacy and safety remain priorities.

Table: Summary of Key Points

Heading	Key Points	Examples/References
Impacts on Patient Care	– Enhance workflow and decision-making. – Potential for distractions and errors. – Risk of privacy breaches.	– Nurse using a phone to contact a doctor for a family. – Hebda & Czar (2013).
Ethical and Legal Implications	– HIPAA requires safeguarding patient data. – Social media misuse can lead to penalties and loss of licensure.	– NCSBN (2011): Violations include civil/criminal penalties and defamation lawsuits.
Literature Support	– Devices improve access to evidence-based practices. – Promote safe nursing practices with careful use.	– Hebda & Czar (2013): Devices enhance decision-making. – Cautions against improper device use.

References

Hebda, T., & Czar, P. (2013). Handbook of informatics for nurses and healthcare professionals. Pearson Education.