Nursing staff have the potential to lead digitalization processes in health.
Nurses play an indispensable role in health services, however, they are not always involved in decision making. During digital transformation efforts, it is necessary to take into account the participation of all actors in the health ecosystem.
For example, in the United Kingdom, the National Health Service has incorporated nursing staff into its digitization processes, involving them in solving complex problems related to information technology.
In this way, the staff has adopted new tools for their professional practice, for example, data management through digital systems, remote monitoring, patient-centered care.
“Developing digital skills in nursing will ensure that nurses can keep pace with the digital evolution of the health sector, allowing them to reap the benefits of digitalization while improving patient care,” he explains. Andrew Robinson, Digital Nurse at the NHS.
In addition, during the pandemic, digital tools have made some tasks easier for nurses. "We've seen a lot of engagement and interest in the digital journey from our colleagues, especially through the Digital Nurse Network, which is an online community designed to support nurses during the pandemic and beyond," explained Helen Crowther, clinical nurse lead. in the NHS, and a digital literacy specialist in nursing.
Crowther, and her colleague Lisa Ward, a nurse at the NHS Foundation Trust, received the Florence Nightingale Award/Fellowship after developing digital tools to improve medical planning and appointment management.
“Our job as leading digital nurses is to inspire other nurses to intentionally choose digitally focused careers and not just fall into them by accident. By training a new generation of digitally savvy nurses, we will better position ourselves and our organizations for long-term success,” explained Ward.
