Technology in Oncology Nursing

Information technology has made improvements to patient safety. Access to patient information and records that is needed to develop and implement the plan of care can be obtained immediately at the bedside because of technology such as pagers and wireless devices. In some facilities, alerts are produced as “triggers” for patient safety concerns such as adverse drug reactions or abnormal laboratory’ data. These alerts are beneficial in oncology nursing as the nurse is warned of low blood counts or kidney functions before administering chemotherapy.Technology in Oncology Nursing

Interdisciplinary communication has become ore convenient, especially in the case of an emergency because of technology advancements (Bake et al. , 2004). Therefore, the provider can be notified immediately of an adverse reaction to a chemotherapy agent for example. Use of technology is proving to be more efficient through research in the nursing practice. Patient data collected on paper contains a higher number of entry errors, higher costs, and more time spent on reviewing the data when compared to electronic methods.

The nurse can quickly assess patient data such laboratory result, obtain a new physician order, and discuss t with the patient without ever leaving the bedside. The nurse is allowed an increase in autonomy because of these advancement methods (Hardwire, Paid, & Delano, 2007). Autonomy is critical for an outpatient oncology setting. The patient’s care is under the direction of the nurse and in the case of a reaction event quick, efficient decisions must be made for the well-being of the patient. In addition to safety and efficiency, technology has aided in the patient-centered focus of the nursing practice.