Technology and Nursing

It is estimated that nearly 77 million of Americans own a tablet or ipad. That number is expected to double in the next year or two. So what’s the big deal? I read an article from Reflections on Nursing Leadership discussing a study being done on the use of tablets as a tool to identify domestic violence during prenatal home visits [read full article here].

Why use a tablet instead of having a conversation?

• Abuser is typically around during the home visit and monitoring the conversation
• Women are not comfortable talking with varied skills of health care workers that visit
• Nurses feel uncomfortable asking about domestic violence

In utilizing this technology the nurse can hand the women a tablet and headphones. The patient can then direct themselves through a series of question regarding domestic violence. There is also a “safety button” the woman can press should the abuser enter the room. This button would activate a cloaking video to secure the questionnaire.

Does it work? “Though it remains to be proven, Sharps and Bullock hypothesize that using mobile tablets will increase the number of women who identify themselves as victims of domestic abuse by as much as a third. And once they’re identified, women who are victims can be given appropriate interventions” (RNL, 2012). This can be having extra car keys, packed bags, development of a safety plan or help gain a protective order.

Technology is changing the face of health care. We are seeing greater access with electronic medical record systems to tele-health visits to online health resources.

So tell me, what do you think of tablet use in identifying domestic violence?

I also encourage you to visit the Reflections on Nursing Leadership webpage for some more great articles!

Reflections on Nursing Leadership. (2012). Tablet computers: a tool for identifying domestic violence? Sigma Theta Tau International. Retrieved from: http://www.reflectionsonnursingleadership.org/Pages/Vol38_2_RNews_tablet_computers.aspx