Technology can be transformative – consider how the mobile phone changed how we communicate with friends and family, or how videoconferencing has created a whole new realm of hybrid working opportunities.
For nursing, a highly respected and sought-after profession, how will developments in new and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) change how they operate? As the United States continues to experience a change in demographics, as nursing needs, how will new and experienced nurse practitioners, such as AGNP-C qualified practitioners, harness these new technologies to improve the quality of life of their patients?
As we’ll soon discover, AI presents a unique array of opportunities for nursing practitioners of all fields – although there are risks that even the most seasoned professional must be aware of.
Nursing – A Transforming Profession
Nursing is facing an inflection point in how care is currently offered. The United States is one of many nations experiencing a change in demography – over the past fifteen years, experiencing a decline in the birth rate of more than 20%. This, combined with enhancements in medical treatments and improvements to healthcare more broadly, has resulted in a world where Americans are living longer than ever before, but are having fewer children – resulting in population growth that is largely driven by immigration.
This transformation in demographics will require a rethink of the skills and capabilities required for nurses to succeed in the decades ahead. Research conducted by the Urban Institute, a leading think-tank, found that by 2040, the number of Americans aged 65 or more was expected to double by the end of the next decade.
This change will undoubtedly result in a greater need for nursing practitioners who are qualified to work with a range of different age groups, across nursing specializations such as gerontology, as well as facilitators who are capable of working across a flexible range of age groups.
Balancing Act – Managing Nursing Capacity
More and more nurses will be needed to address skills shortages in the decades ahead, that much is clear. The Health Resources and Services Administration projecting significant shortfalls in many nursing specializations for at least the next decade, a figure that many departments agree with.
It will be imperative for hospital administrators to identify ways that they can reallocate manual tasks, such as paperwork, away from practitioners, so they can spend time working on more complex patient issues. For many administrators, it will be important to understand the benefits and challenges of using AI to automate and simplify roles – as well as the legal obligations of record holders under data protection acts such as the HIPAA Act.
Using AI To Manage Patient Records
One such area of nursing that could be supported through the use of AI is the management of patient records. Research conducted on the time that nurses spend on care, administration, and other activities, presented at the American Medical Informatics Association’s Annual Symposium, found that qualified nurses spend approximately 25% of their working day completing administrative tasks, such as intake paperwork.
The research notes that a reduction in time spent on administration paperwork could lead to an improvement in the quality of care that patients receive, highlighting how assistance in documentation may help drive better outcomes. Could patient records be simplified through the use of AI?
Take, for example, a patient who is connected to an array of devices – perhaps they’re connected to a heart rate monitor, regularly being checked on by a nurse, who’s documenting key clinical markers for several hours. While this activity would be time-consuming for a nurse, it’s not an infeasible role for an AI assistant – with nearly a dozen such products being tested in hospitals nationwide, it appears that these may emerge as a new assistive tool for nurses.
A New Realm of Patient Care – AI Personalization
While America ages, conditions that affect older Americans, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, will continue to become more prevalent in the community. These conditions often have complex care needs – patients may need to go into assisted living and require specialized assistance to get through the day.
In a world where there may not be enough staff available to support patients, the development of virtual AI assistants could provide a new avenue for care for elderly patients. Assistants such as Viv, an AI companion designed to support dementia patients who may not have companionship in aged care facilities, are being trialed in Australia and could provide an opportunity to provide personalized support for patients, without making the role of a nurse practitioner overbearing.
It’s clear that in the decades ahead, America’s nursing sector will have to transform to meet the needs of an aging population. As subtle as these changes may be to patients, understanding how they will impact nursing staff and administrators will be vital to making the most out of these new and innovative technologies.
Did you find this helpful? Check out our other helpful articles on our website.
Read Also
- The Hidden Liabilities of Hazardous Waste: Why Elite Environmental Management is Non-Negotiable
Let’s be completely honest for a second. Running a commercial facility, a manufacturing plant, or a healthcare hub that handles dangerous materials is an absolute high-wire act. You aren’t just managing staff and worrying about profit margins; you are actively holding back potential disasters every single day. One tiny oversight—a leaking drum, a misread label,… Read more: The Hidden Liabilities of Hazardous Waste: Why Elite Environmental Management is Non-Negotiable - Top Strategies for Implementing Remote Patient Monitoring SuccessfullyRemote patient monitoring is changing how care is delivered. It brings patients and providers closer, even from a distance. But success takes more than just devices and data. It requires clear planning, smart tools, and strong communication. Each step should focus on patient comfort and ease of use. Small improvements can lead to better outcomes… Read more: Top Strategies for Implementing Remote Patient Monitoring Successfully
- Navigating 21 CFR Part 11 in Modern Clinical LabsWhat ensures that digital records in clinical labs remain accurate, secure, and trustworthy? As laboratories rely more on digital systems, maintaining compliance with strict regulations becomes essential. One important standard is 21 CFR Part 11, which focuses on electronic records and signatures. It helps ensure that data is reliable and protected from misuse or errors.… Read more: Navigating 21 CFR Part 11 in Modern Clinical Labs
- Protecting Patient Privacy in the Digital Age: The Role of Secure Information HandlingHealthcare has undergone a major transformation in recent years. With the shift from paper records to digital systems, managing patient information has become both more efficient and more complex. Alongside these changes comes a growing need to protect sensitive data. This is where redaction software in healthcare plays an increasingly important role. Healthcare organizations handle… Read more: Protecting Patient Privacy in the Digital Age: The Role of Secure Information Handling
- Why EHR Compatibility Matters for Your PracticeEvery mental health practice eventually faces the same painful realization: your EHR does not talk to the other systems your practice depends on. The billing goes through a separate clearinghouse portal. Referrals still travel by fax. The lab results arrive by email. What seemed like a digital transformation has left you managing yet another collection… Read more: Why EHR Compatibility Matters for Your Practice
- Improving Survival Outcomes Through Prompt Medical ActionIn emergencies, every second counts. Whether it’s a car accident, a heart attack, or a severe injury, prompt medical action can mean the difference between life and death. Patients who receive immediate medical care are far more likely to survive. This article dives into how rapid interventions and the right training can significantly improve survival… Read more: Improving Survival Outcomes Through Prompt Medical Action
- The Hidden Operational Cost of “Good Enough” IT in a Medical PracticeMost medical practices do not think much about IT unless something starts going wrong. That makes sense. Practice owners are focused on patient care, staffing, scheduling, billing, revenue, compliance, and the daily pressure of keeping the office running. Office managers are usually handling ten things at once. Providers want rooms ready, systems available, and staff… Read more: The Hidden Operational Cost of “Good Enough” IT in a Medical Practice
- Transforming Patient Care with Professional Healthcare Transcription ServicesIn today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, the need for precise and timely documentation cannot be overstated. Accurate documentation is not merely an ancillary task; it is a core element of delivering high-quality patient care. The ability to maintain compliance with regulations, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure the integrity of patient records has never been more critical.… Read more: Transforming Patient Care with Professional Healthcare Transcription Services
