Healthc Inform Res.  2023 Jul;29(3):256-268. 10.4258/hir.2023.29.3.256.

Need for Information and Communication Technology during COVID-19: An Exploratory Study Using Nurses’ Activity Diaries

• Lee H
• Lee D
• Lee3 S

• KMID: 2544877
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4258/hir.2023.29.3.256

Abstract

Objectives
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to high levels of burnout among nurses. Information and communication technology (ICT) may offer a solution to prevent a potential collapse in healthcare. The aim of this study was to identify areas where ICT could provide support, by analyzing the work of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
This retrospective exploratory descriptive study analyzed qualitative data from the activity diaries of seven nurses working in COVID-19 wards or intensive care units.
Results
The nursing work process during COVID-19 involved “added tasks,” “changed tasks,” and “reduced tasks” compared to the pre-COVID-19 situation. Nurses reported difficulties in communicating with other healthcare professionals both inside and outside the isolation room, as well as with patients. The use of various ICT solutions, such as real-time video-conferencing systems or mobile robots, could enhance patient monitoring in the isolation room and improve the quality and efficiency of communication.
Conclusions
The changes in work tasks not only led to nurse exhaustion but also negatively impacted the quality of care. ICT solutions should be explored to minimize the time spent in the isolation room, thereby reducing the risk of infection spread. This could also enhance communication among patients, family caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

Keyword

COVID-19, Patient Isolation, Information Technology, Nursing Care, Workload

Figure

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  Figure 1 Changes in tasks during the COVID-19 pandemic. PPE: personal protective equipment.

Reference

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