Promoting Participatory Health: Connecting Nurses and Consumers at Point of Care to Enhance Safety and Quality in Australia

Stud Health Technol Inform. 2019 Aug 8:266:115-120. doi: 10.3233/SHTI190782.

Abstract

Recent research involving representatives from nursing professional organisations found a lack of governance regarding access and use of mobile technology has led to the maintenance of outdated safety and quality strategies. Current organisational policies and guidelines preclude nurses from aligning with the Australian National Safety and Quality in Health Service Standards. Continuance of the mobile technology paradox,where there is theinability of nurses to access and use mobile technology at point of care, hinders the promotion of positive two-way communication between consumers and nurses as the lack of connectivity impedes opportunities for nurses to partner with consumers to promote participation in their own healthcare, develop mutuality of understanding, and improve health and ehealth literacy. Legitimisation ofthe use of mobile technology at point of care is necessaryto supportmeeting consumer expectations, improve the consumer experience and promote participatory health, while contributing to delivery ofcontemporaryhealthcare.

Keywords: Consumers; health literacy; mobile technology; nurses; participatory health; quality; safety..

MeSH terms

  • Australia
  • Communication
  • Delivery of Health Care*
  • Health Services
  • Humans
  • Point-of-Care Systems*