Does technology improve health care?

Internal application error! These words are all too common when dealing with computer technology in health care. Computers are excellent at bridging gaps in communication, making documentation and patient care faster and easier. Unfortunately, computers also come with many problems and are responsible for slowing down health care delivery and causing undue frustration among nurses. This is most apparent when the computer “crashes” and all documentation is lost. Nurses are then required to re enter lost documentation, which ultimately leads to compromised patient care. There is a delicate balance that must be maintained when technology intertwines with health care. As nurses we must always remember that technology is no substitute for compassion.