NR 447 Week 7 Discussion
Student Name
Chamberlain University
NR-447: RN Collaborative Healthcare
Prof. Name
Date
NR 447 Week 7 Discussion
1. Advantages of Using Company Devices for Professional Communication
Mobile technology, including smartphones and tablets, has become commonplace in healthcare environments and provides significant benefits for healthcare professionals. As Ventola (2014) notes, healthcare systems are often widely distributed, encompassing diverse facilities such as clinics, inpatient units, outpatient services, emergency rooms, operating theaters, intensive care units, and laboratories.
Mobile devices now function as powerful, handheld computers, capable of supporting clinical practice through specialized applications. These apps assist healthcare providers in communication, accessing medical records, monitoring patients, and making informed clinical decisions. By offering point-of-care tools, mobile devices not only enhance professional communication but also contribute to improved patient outcomes.
In my workplace, cell phones are not provided to floor nurses except for supervisory staff. The only mobile device we use is for wound care documentation. This device resembles a standard smartphone but contains a dedicated wound measurement application. I log in using a secure passcode, view a patient list, and document wound characteristics including type, location, and measurements. While depth and undermining must be entered manually, the app allows image adjustment for accurate measurement. The images are automatically deleted after saving, and only clinical data is transferred to the patient’s Electronic Medication Administration Record (EMAR).
This process ensures high security and patient confidentiality. However, it is essential for nurses to adhere strictly to privacy protocols—never sharing passwords, locking screens when unattended, and returning devices promptly after use. Additionally, I explain the process to patients and occasionally show them their wound images to enhance understanding of the care being provided.
Table 1
Summary of Advantages of Company Devices in Healthcare
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Secure communication | Encrypted, organization-controlled devices reduce privacy risks |
| Access to clinical tools | Apps provide evidence-based decision support and patient data access |
| Improved patient outcomes | Real-time updates support timely interventions |
| Standardization | All staff use the same system, minimizing compatibility issues |
| Reduced personal liability | Limits need to use personal devices for patient care |
2. Disadvantages of Using Company Devices for Professional Communication
While company devices offer many benefits, there are potential drawbacks. One concern is that using a phone during patient care may appear unprofessional to patients and families, who might not be aware that the device is being used for clinical purposes. Patients could misinterpret device use as personal activity or a sign of insufficient knowledge if staff are searching for information in their presence.
Additionally, taking calls or engaging with devices during direct care can distract healthcare workers, potentially compromising patient safety. Another concern is infection control. Mobile devices can serve as vectors for hospital-acquired infections if not cleaned regularly, particularly in high-contact environments.
Other disadvantages include possible technical failures, such as software crashes, which may delay care. Furthermore, limited device availability in some facilities can cause workflow bottlenecks, especially during emergencies.
3. Preference Between Personal and Company Devices
If given the choice, I would strongly prefer using company-issued devices exclusively for work-related tasks and only during working hours. This approach limits the blurring of personal and professional boundaries. Using personal devices for professional communication could create a sense of being perpetually on-call, potentially leading to burnout.
Moreover, accessing sensitive patient information on personal devices outside the workplace—such as in public areas or at home—heightens the risk of confidentiality breaches. Company devices allow organizations to implement standardized security protocols, encryption, and monitoring, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Table 2
Comparison Between Personal and Company Devices in Healthcare
| Criteria | Company Devices | Personal Devices |
|---|---|---|
| Security | High—controlled by IT policies | Variable—depends on personal settings |
| Privacy | Better control of access and storage | Higher risk of breaches |
| Work-life balance | Maintains clear separation | Blurs personal and work boundaries |
| Standardization | Consistent apps and systems | May face compatibility issues |
| Infection control | Can be regularly sanitized by facility | Less likely to follow strict cleaning protocols |
References
Ventola, C. L. (2014). Mobile devices and apps for health care professionals: Uses and benefits. P & T: A Peer-Reviewed Journal for Formulary Management, 39(5), 356–364.
NR 447 Week 7 Discussion
Yoon, S., Oh, J. J., Yeon, T. A., Ens, T. A., & Mannion, C. A. (2017). A review of the effect of nurses’ use of smartphone to improve patient care. Journal of Undergraduate Research in Alberta, 6, 1–7.