I work as a nurse in specialized medical care in a radiotherapy unit. My duties include, among other things, independent nurse appointments, multiprofessional cooperation, implementation of various treatment measures, implementation of pharmacotherapy, various patient guidance and support for patients and their loved ones. The operating environment of nursing has changed significantly in recent years. Technology has developed a lot, and digitalization also plays a significant role in the work of nurses.
In the Wellbeing Services County of North Savo, we use the Uranus patient information system. The use of the patient information system is essential in patient care. There you can find all the information needed for patient care. Each treatment contact is recorded in the system. In addition to the patient information system, we utilize, for example, the Mosaiq software in patient care, which includes tools needed for the implementation of radiotherapy. The Weblab system is used for blood tests.
At my workplace, communication is carried out via phone, email, and Teams. With Teams, we can, for example, track which workstation each employee is working at that day. With Teams, the immediate management sends information to the personnel.
Tools I could use in my work
I use the Instagram app a lot in my free time. It is one of the most used social media networks. It can be used to easily share information and its range can be wide, as Instagram has a huge number of users. By producing content for Instagram, we could, for example, increase people’s knowledge of radiotherapy-related matters. For example, pictures and videos could be used to show what therapy equipment looks like and how radiotherapy is implemented. Increasing knowledge of radiotherapy could alleviate prejudices and fears about treatment. In addition to patients and their loved ones, information about radiotherapy could increase the nursing staff’s interest in working in a radiotherapy unit. Currently, the organization has its own Instagram account, where information and things to report about things happening at the hospital are shared. If such publications are made, careful attention should be paid to protecting the privacy of patients.
YouTube
YouTube is a video service where users can add any videos they want to the site. Videos can be viewed, commented on, and shared. For example, YouTube could be used to improve the guidance of patients undergoing radiotherapy. Patients could be guided to watch various videos related to their treatment. Patients would be able to watch videos in peace and quiet so that they would become familiar with the treatments. The challenge with YouTube is that all kinds of videos can be uploaded there. Patients should identify which instructional videos are reliable and provide correct information. Another challenge with videos is that if a patient does not understand something presented in the video, they will not be able to immediately ask a healthcare professional.
Mobile certificate
In radiotherapy, verifying the patient’s identity is essential. Before each treatment, the identity of patients should be double-checked to ensure that the right patient is receiving the treatment planned for him/her. In our work unit, patients identify themselves in the registration system either with a Kela card or fingerprint ID. The patient’s identity is confirmed a second time when the patient enters the treatment room. Identification is done either by asking for a personal identity code or by showing a fingerprint ID. A mobile certificate could be one way to secure the patient’s identity. The weak point of the mobile certificate is that not everyone, especially the elderly, necessarily has access to mobile devices with which this identification could be carried out.
I personally use this social media app in my spare time. Patients undergoing radiotherapy with us could possibly utilize the service, for example, by having groups on Facebook where patients could receive peer support for each other. I know that such Facebook peer support groups exist, for example, organized by the Cancer Society of Finland. Through the discussion groups, people suffering from similar illnesses and receiving treatment would be able to easily discuss different issues and be there for each other. The challenge with such a group is that anyone can write anything in the group and convey false information. It would therefore be desirable for the group to be maintained by some supervisory body.
WhatsApp is one of the most popular instant messaging services now. At my own workplace, there is one unofficial WhatsApp group for the staff, where information can be forwarded. Patient-related issues may not be discussed in the group. WhatsApp is not suitable as an official communication channel, as it has many shortcomings in the protection of privacy. If the app were completely reliable, WhatsApp could help communicate with patients. Almost every day I must inform patients by phone about matters related to their treatment. If all data protection matters were in order, using this service could make my work easier and faster instead of the current phone calls. At the same time, patients would be left with a written document on the matter to be communicated. There is a risk that if the message were accidentally sent to the wrong person.
Self-assessment
I am of the generation that is used to keeping up with the fact that both technology and digitalization are developing at an extremely fast pace. I use and will continue to use social media tools in my free time and everyday life that make my work easier.
In the past, I have drawn attention to how much the commercial sector can make use of social media, for example in advertising and sales. Through the assignment, I understood how social media tools could be better utilized in my work at healthcare. Among other things, social media can be used to share reliable information and to maintain and promote people’s health.
I found the learning assignment very interesting. I learned a lot of new applications and made reflections on how I could possibly use them in my own work. I am already familiar with the use of social media in my free time, but I could possibly use it in my own work. However, you must keep in mind that while social media can make work easier or bring benefits, it also has its drawbacks.