NR 447 Week 7 Discussion

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-447: RN Collaborative Healthcare

Prof. Name

Date

Advantages of Using Company Devices for Professional Communication

Mobile technology, including smartphones and tablets, has become an integral component of healthcare systems. These devices provide healthcare professionals with portable access to applications and tools that streamline communication, documentation, and clinical decision-making. According to Ventola (2014), healthcare organizations are often dispersed across multiple units, including clinics, inpatient wards, outpatient departments, emergency care areas, operating rooms, intensive care units, and laboratories. Mobile devices act as handheld computers, enabling professionals to quickly communicate, review patient data, and monitor care progress.

From my perspective, mobile devices significantly enhance workflow efficiency and patient outcomes. They allow healthcare professionals to stay connected in real time, which is crucial for fast-paced environments such as hospitals. For example, in my workplace, floor nurses generally do not receive company-issued cellphones, except for supervisors. The only device available is primarily used for wound care management. This device, similar to a smartphone, features a specialized application that records wound measurements during weekly wound care rounds.

To use this application, I log in with my passcode, where I can view all patients and details of their wounds. After cleaning a wound, I take a photo using the app. Although the tool does not calculate wound depth or undermining automatically, these details can be entered manually. Once the data is entered and saved, the image is automatically removed, leaving only measurements and wound descriptions in the patient’s Electronic Medication Administration Record (EMAR). This secure process reduces the risk of storing sensitive patient images. While some argue that mobile devices may pose privacy risks, proper precautions—such as password protection, avoiding shared access, and locking devices when unattended—can enhance confidentiality.

Additionally, I often explain this process to patients and show them images for better understanding, which helps build trust. Once my tasks are complete, the device is returned to the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADN). Overall, my experience highlights how company devices, when used appropriately, support patient care and reinforce professional communication.

Disadvantages of Using Company Devices for Professional Communication

Despite the advantages, mobile device use in healthcare also presents several drawbacks. One major concern is perception. When nurses use mobile phones around patients, it can appear unprofessional, as patients may not be able to differentiate between work-related tasks and personal use. This uncertainty may reduce patient trust and confidence in the nurse’s clinical knowledge.

Another disadvantage is the potential for distraction. Answering calls or messages while delivering patient care may interrupt the nurse’s focus and compromise the quality of care. Furthermore, mobile devices can harbor pathogens, making them potential sources of healthcare-associated infections if not properly sanitized. Yoon et al. (2017) also emphasize that although smartphones can improve patient care, strict hygiene and privacy protocols are necessary to mitigate associated risks.

Personal vs. Company Devices: A Choice

If I were part of agency management, I would recommend limiting work-related communication to company-issued devices. Restricting use to work hours ensures that staff are not pressured to respond to calls or emails outside of duty hours, thus maintaining work-life balance. In contrast, using personal devices may increase the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information, especially when accessed in public areas or unsecured networks at home.

Professionalism and patient confidentiality should remain priorities. By implementing policies that mandate the exclusive use of company devices, healthcare organizations can minimize privacy risks, enhance security, and create clear boundaries between personal and professional communication.

Comparative Table: Advantages and Disadvantages of Device Use

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., Yeon, J. J., Ens, T. A., & Mannion, C. A. (2017). A review of the effect of nurses’ use of smartphones to improve patient care. Journal of Undergraduate Research in Alberta, 6.