I work as a nurse in the Pirkanmaa Wellbeing Services County at Tampere University Hospital. Digital tools are very important part of my everyday work. I depend on electronic patient record systems to review current medical histories, lab findings and care plans for each patient. These systems make it possible to collaborate efficiently with colleagues, document information instantly and provide patients with safe and effective care. The ability to monitor updates, communicate securely and handle essential information digitally has improved the structure of my work and reduced the risk of mistakes. In my work, I need for example the following digital platforms: Uranus/OMNI360, Microsoft Teams, Kanta Services, and Numeron.
Uranus/Omni360
Patient information systems are digital healthcare software solutions used to manage patient data, such as medical records and care pathways. In Finland, several systems are in use (e.g. Lifecare, Apotti, Esko), and they must be integrated with the national Kanta Services. Key challenges include interoperability issues between systems and usability, both of which affect physicians’ workflows.Uranus is a Class A specialized healthcare patient information system supplied by CGI Finland (meaning it is subject to systematic information security and data protection auditing). It is used particularly in the Pirkanmaa region (Tampere University Hospital). The system is part of a broader patient information management framework, and a newer system, OMNI360, has been developed based on it.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a cloud-based communication and collaboration platform developed by Microsoft. It brings together chat, video meetings, file storage and app integration, functioning as a centralized workspace for organizations and communities. Teams is part of the Microsoft 365 suite and is available as a desktop, mobile, and web version. In my workplace and throughout Tampereen University Hospital, Microsoft Teams is used every day as a key platform for communication, coordination, and planning. Managers rely on it to share updates and conduct video meetings, which helps ensure information is communicated quickly and allows staff to join discussions remotely. This has significantly enhanced internal communication and improved teamwork and coordination.
Kanta Services
The Kanta Services enable the smooth transfer of patient and client information between different healthcare providers and citizens. In practice, all public and private healthcare providers in Finland, as well as pharmacies, use the Kanta Services. In both public and private healthcare, healthcare professionals record information in their own patient information systems, from which it is stored in the Kanta Services. This ensures that the information is available in real time throughout Finland.
Numeron
Numeron is a modern, activity-based workforce scheduling software that optimizes resource allocation, particularly in the social and healthcare sectors. It supports both centralized and decentralized scheduling as well as AI-assisted optimization, enabling precise consideration of shift requirements and competency needs. The system automatically transfers absences and integrates with HR systems.
The programs I use in my work are not social media platforms, but software applications used in healthcare settings. Due to strict data protection requirements, social media platforms are not used in actual patient care. At the same time, social media tools have an important place in my professional life. Although personal social media calls for clear boundaries, professional networks support collaboration and offer emotional support, reminding me that healthcare is not only about technology but also about people. Using these tools thoughtfully as part of my daily routine has improved my efficiency, strengthened my sense of connection, and increased my awareness of both patient care and professional growth.
I selected five social media tools that I could use in my work, Instagram, ChatGPT, YouTube, Jodel and. I have analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of each as a tool in healthcare.
Instagram can be used in healthcare, included in palliative care, for sharing information, health communication and professional networking. It helps reach wide audiences and raise awareness about various health topics. However, its use also involves challenges such as data privacy risks, the spread of misinformation, and blurred professional boundaries. Therefore, it requires careful consideration, ethical awareness, and clear guidelines.
ChatGPT
ChatGPT can offer many benefits in healthcare and in palliative care when used as a support tool rather than the sole basis for decision-making. It can be used, for example, to search for and explain information: complex medical concepts can be clarified in a simple way for both professionals and patients. It can also assist with documentation, drafting texts, and structuring reports, which helps save time in a busy work environment. ChatGPT can support education and professional development by providing quick summaries, examples, and learning materials. It can also help in creating patient instructions and improving the clarity of communication. However, it is important to recognize its limitations, ChatGPT does not replace clinical judgment and the information it provides is not always completely accurate or up to date. Patient data should not be entered into the system due to privacy concerns.
YouTube
YouTube can be a useful tool in palliative care, particularly for sharing information, education, and support materials. In palliative care, YouTube can be used for patient and family guidance. Videos can help explain care processes, symptom management, and aspects of end-of-life care in a clear and calm manner. This may help reduce anxiety and increase understanding of the situation. For healthcare professionals, YouTube offers educational content such as expert lectures, care guidelines, and examples of best practices. It can support continuous learning and professional development. However, there are challenges, including reliability and varying quality of information. Not all content is evidence-based, so critical evaluation is important. In addition, the emotional nature of some videos may be difficult for viewers, especially in sensitive palliative care situations.
Jodel
Jodel is an anonymous discussion platform and its direct use in palliative care is very limited. However, it can provide some indirect perspectives for developing care. In the context of palliative care, Jodel can be viewed at a population level: discussions about death, end-of-life care, pain management or family members’ experiences with healthcare may appear on the platform. Observing these discussions can help identify people’s fears, needs or misconceptions regarding end-of-life care. In addition, the platform can function as a form of peer support space where individuals share experiences of a loved one’s palliative or hospice care. This can highlight patient and family perspectives that are not always captured through formal feedback channels.
However, the main challenge is the reliability of information and the lack of professional moderation. Discussions are not clinically verified and may include incorrect information, emotionally driven opinions or isolated experiences that cannot be generalized. Furthermore, healthcare professionals cannot use the platform for patient care or communication due to data protection and ethical considerations.
LinkedIn can be a useful tool in the context of palliative care, particularly for professional communication, networking and knowledge development. In palliative care, LinkedIn can be used to share expert knowledge, follow research findings and disseminate best practices. It provides an opportunity to connect with other healthcare professionals working in areas such as hospice care, pain management and multidisciplinary care. It also supports professional development, as users can follow organizations, experts, and training opportunities related to palliative care. This can help facilitate the transfer of the latest evidence and recommendations into clinical practice.
I chose these applications because I already had some prior knowledge of them, some more than others. Overall, social media is not suitable for direct patient care, but from a professional perspective, different social media platforms have a lot to offer. Patients in palliative care are fortunately usually older adults for whom the use of social media is not very familiar, so providing guidance, advice, and education about palliative care through social media is also not a sensible approach.
Self evaluation
Completing this assignment deepened my understanding of how extensively digital tools and social media are connected to palliative care nursing and everyday healthcare practice. Reflecting on my own professional experiences helped me recognize more clearly how various digital applications can enhance communication, teamwork and professional growth when applied responsibly. The assignment also improved my ability to critically assess digital tools, especially regarding data security, ethical issues and their practical usefulness.
Furthermore, the task made me more aware of my own digital competencies as well as the areas where I still need further development. I realized that although I feel confident using many digital technologies, ongoing learning and adaptation are necessary as technology continues to evolve. Overall, the assignment strengthened my interest in digitalisation in healthcare and emphasized the importance of combining technological solutions with human interaction and professional judgement in palliative care nursing. On the other hand, I have noticed that the older I get, the more difficult it becomes to learn new digital programs, even though I have used them throughout almost my entire career.