How Technology-Assisted Communication is Bridging Gaps Between Patients and Healthcare Teams
Technology-Assisted Communication
Technology-assisted communication in healthcare is transforming the way information is captured, processed, and shared to promote better health outcomes, manage chronic illnesses, and ensure that patients receive cost-effective care. As noted by Rouleau et al. (2017), digital technologies facilitate patient-centered care while enabling healthcare providers, including APRNs, to access vital information with fewer errors and higher efficiency. These technologies also create a new kind of relationship between patients and their healthcare providers, providing the foundation for improved collaboration and communication. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are particularly well-positioned to leverage these digital tools, using them to enhance direct clinical practice, guidance and coaching, leadership, collaboration, and ethical decision-making. As healthcare teams grow in size and complexity, technology-assisted communication becomes critical in coordinating patient care. This includes everything from ensuring that clinical instructions are clear to enhancing the overall quality of healthcare delivery. By harnessing these technologies, APRNs can drive improvements in both individual patient outcomes and overall system efficiencies.Verbal Communication Technologies
Verbal communication is essential in healthcare and remains at the core of patient care delivery. However, today, the integration of technology with verbal communication tools has transformed this traditional interaction into something more efficient and accessible. TigerConnect (2019) reports that with larger, more specialized healthcare teams, interprofessional collaboration is now more crucial than ever. Hospitals typically employ significantly more nurses than physicians, placing nurses, particularly APRNs, at the center of patient care coordination. Smart devices, incorporating cutting-edge technologies like AI, ML, and NLP, offer healthcare professionals, including APRNs, the ability to streamline communication. These advancements allow them to clarify medical terms, interpret data, and act as liaisons between patients and their care teams. Verbal communication through devices like smartphones, virtual assistants, and AI-powered tools not only makes communication more accurate but also saves valuable time, which can be redirected to patient care.Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Communication
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing healthcare communication by enabling faster, more accurate decision-making. AI applications in healthcare are diverse, ranging from NLP to process unstructured data, to ML models that learn and adapt from patterns found in patient records. According to Jiang et al. (2017), AI-driven technologies allow healthcare systems to better handle data and improve the ability of APRNs to manage large-scale patient information, improving care quality while reducing human error. AI also plays a critical role in the development of virtual assistants and automated speech recognition (ASR) technologies. These tools allow healthcare providers to dictate patient notes, enter data into Electronic Health Records (EHRs), and automate routine tasks, such as scheduling or patient follow-up calls, without manual intervention.Machine Learning (ML) and Natural Language Processing (NLP)
Machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP) are two subfields of AI that significantly enhance communication in healthcare. ML allows systems to improve and evolve as they are exposed to more data, making healthcare processes like patient monitoring, diagnostics, and care coordination more efficient over time. On the other hand, NLP enables machines to understand and respond to human language. As highlighted by Yse (2019), these technologies can even detect nuanced meanings such as irony or sentiment, making them powerful tools in technology-assisted communication. Healthcare providers benefit greatly from NLP by using it to process patient notes, voice transcriptions, and other unstructured data. For example, APRNs can use NLP to analyze patient symptoms, cross-reference medications, and provide evidence-based recommendations in real-time.Virtual Assistants and Chatbots in Healthcare
Virtual assistants (VA) and chatbots are becoming increasingly common in healthcare settings, from patient rooms to administrative tasks. These tools allow both APRNs and patients to communicate with machines in a more interactive and personalized manner. VAs, which combine AI, ML, and NLP, collect and analyze data to provide recommendations or automate tasks, such as reminding patients to take medications or helping APRNs find clinical guidelines for specific interventions. Chatbots, while less advanced than VAs, still provide a valuable service in healthcare. As discussed by Expert.ai (2020), chatbots can be used in hospitals for simple tasks like ordering meals or guiding patients through triage. For APRNs, these technologies help manage routine inquiries, freeing them to focus on more complex, direct patient care.Smartphones and Mobile Health Apps
Smartphones have become indispensable tools for technology-assisted communication in healthcare. Resnick (2019) notes that 81% of Americans own a smartphone, making them an ideal platform for delivering healthcare apps. APRNs can use mobile health apps to track patient health metrics, monitor treatment plans, and provide real-time communication with patients. For instance, mobile apps can remind patients to take their medications, track their compliance, and alert healthcare providers if there are any deviations in care. Mobile apps also play a critical role in patient education, allowing APRNs to share information on disease management, wellness tips, and medication side effects. By integrating smartphones into their practice, APRNs improve patient engagement and support more comprehensive care delivery.Table: Related Information About mHealth Apps in Technology-Assisted Communication
| mHealth Application | Purpose |
|---|---|
| MyChart | Allows patients to access medical records, message providers, and schedule appointments. |
| Teladoc | Provides virtual consultations and follow-ups with healthcare providers. |
| Medisafe | Helps patients manage and remember their medication schedules. |
| BlueLoop | Designed for children with Type 1 Diabetes to track blood glucose levels. |
| Headspace | Offers guided meditations for mental health and well-being. |
| PillPack | Organizes patient prescriptions and arranges for medication delivery. |
FAQs
Q: How does AI improve communication in healthcare? A: AI enhances healthcare communication by providing faster and more accurate data processing. This allows APRNs to analyze large amounts of patient data, make informed decisions, and reduce medical errors. Q: What are the benefits of using virtual assistants in healthcare? A: Virtual assistants help streamline administrative tasks, such as patient scheduling and medication reminders. They provide APRNs with quick access to clinical guidelines and assist patients in managing their care plans. Q: How do smartphones support technology-assisted communication in healthcare? A: Smartphones serve as a platform for healthcare apps that allow APRNs and patients to communicate efficiently. They provide tools for tracking health metrics, managing medications, and offering real-time consultations. Q: What role does NLP play in healthcare communication? A: NLP allows machines to interpret and respond to human language. It is used in healthcare to process patient notes, transcribe voice data, and analyze clinical records for insights that support decision-making.By adopting technology-assisted communication, APRNs are enhancing their practice and improving the healthcare experience for their patients, ultimately setting the stage for a more efficient, patient-centered healthcare system.