Unique Uses of Technological Advances

Technological advances offer much opportunity to enhance patient care in new and very dynamic ways.  For example, ICU patients at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester have recently benefited by the center's trial use of a new tele-ICU system.  This system allows off-site doctors and nurses to remotely monitor their patients and direct on-site staff.  During the trial, the ICU experienced fewer patient deaths and patients experienced shorter ICU stays.  Using tele-ICU, intensive care specialists can not only access medical records remotely, but they can also see and hear patients while monitoring vital signs.

Another example resides in Barbara McLean's use of social media to improve bedside nursing.  McLean, MN, RN, CCRN, CCNS, CRNP, FCCM, uses Facebook, Twitter, podcasts and her own interactive website to educate nurses all over the world. 

“I saw, early in my career, that hospitals didn’t always have the experts they needed in house to take practice to a higher level,” McLean said. “I was fortunate to have a gift for public speaking and to possess the ability to put complex issues in a form that people can understand.”

In addition, she uses her online network to support philanthropic activities, mission trips to Haiti and Africa and much more.

Click here to learn more about tele-ICU.
Click here to learn more about Barbara McLean.