The introduction of the tablet into healthcare is something that many nursing informaticians have been pushing for. That's because these can help make your job as a travel nurse easier, in addition to allowing you to provide greater patient satisfaction. But, if you're not working at a facility putting these devices to use, you may be wondering what the benefits are. According to Advance Healthcare Network, tablets are here to stay, so it's best for RNs to get comfortable with them.
Benefit: improved point of care
Tablets that are being used in the medical field have been designed with you in mind. Industry giants such as Intel have developed electronic devices that were created with how the healthcare field operates as the focus. As a result, you'll find that these pieces of equipment make it easier for you to multitask and complete your responsibilities in a timely manner. Additionally, since you'll be carrying around medical records for the patients you are caring for on travel nursing jobs, these tablets were also designed with top-of-the-line security measures and anti-theft technology. To help make the transition easier for clinicians, Intel designers have also provided a platform that is simple to navigate.
A study conducted by Bayshore Medical Center recently found that Intel tablets provide benefits for both patients and staff at their facility. Over the course of six weeks, bedside charting was conducted by the nursing professionals with tablets in hand. Participants reported that they were able to move more quickly between rooms, while still spending more time with the individual patients, who experienced an increase in satisfaction as a result. It's important to note that although patient satisfaction data was based on subjective assessments, this information was confirmed when compared to the medical center's patient satisfaction surveys.
Best tablets on the market
If you're into technology, you know that new devices seem to come out on a daily basis. As far as tablets go, some are created for the market at large, while others are designed for healthcare specifically. MobiHealthNews points out some of the best tablets available that were made for you, the travel nurse, and your colleagues:
- Fujitsu's Q702 and Q572 come in a variety of sizes, all of which are manufactured in the U.S. With a lot of experience in the field, Fujitsu told the source they've been able to figure out what does and does not work as far as tablets go.
- Panasonic's Toughbook and Toughpad series weigh as much as 8.2 pounds and are designed much like a traditional tablet. Their 20-inch version is easy to use, as it operates on both Windows 8 and Android.
- Cybernet's CyberMed T10 is a waterproof model that can easily be mounted on carts or walls when the clinician needs his or her hands free for patient care. The design also allows for the addition of smartcard or barcode readers.
These are just a few of the options when it comes to tablets you may find on travel nurse jobs. Use these devices as a way to provide better patient care, without reducing the about of communication you provide while at work.