Human-Technology Interface

 

 

 

The term interface, means to interact (Dictionary.com, 2015), therefore human-technology interface, is the connection between humans and technology. In healthcare, new technologies are emerging daily- from electronic health records, mobile health tracking apps, robotic surgery devices, to telemedicine. The interface between humans and technology is relevant to not only nursing practice, but also to patient care and even nursing leadership. Nursing practice benefits from technology through the formation of evidence based practice standards, and patient care is rendered through technologies such as smart pumps and electronic charting, thereby increasing care quality. Likewise, nursing leadership interacts with technology through obtaining data on quality measures, and is also expected to stay up to date on these technologies in an effort to support the progressive integration of hi-tech into healthcare.

 

 

An example where a technology has supported the nurse-patient relationship and resulted in improved care quality is through the use of phone applications that keep a patient in direct contact with nurses and other medical personnel even when the patient is at home. In 2006, a hospital system in New York City integrated a diabetes control app into their care protocol for diabetics with reported positive disease outcomes (Rhea, 2010). Apps such as diabetes apps are just one example of the numerous technologies available to patients that increase engagement, promote continuity of care, and result in increased care quality. Likewise, mobile device applications are another element to be considered in the dynamic world of the human-technology interface. As Lytle (2013) points out in an article about the role of technology in clinical research trials, it is neither human touch nor hi-tech that prevail in the medical world, but the combination of both- the human-technology interface.

 

References

 

Dictionary.com. (2015). Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/interface?s=t

 

Lytle, T. (2013). Balancing high-tech and high-touch approaches: Clinical trial success depends on effective use of technology and human touch. Research Practitioner, 14(6), 136-139.

Rhea, S. (2010). Going mobile: Wireless devices and technology bring surge in advanced applications for health monitoring and treatment, but legal and privacy issues remain. Modern Healthcare. Retrieved from http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20100503/MAGAZINE/100439991