HCA embraces technology to improve nurse efficiency

HCA Healthcare, Nashville, Tenn., relies on technology to improve communication, reduce administrative burden and provide skill development for nurses to enable them to spend more time with patients and improve care. The Nashville-based health system gives caregivers and nurses smartphones with a platform enabling secure text messaging, sharing electronic health records and reviewing critical labs. HCA’s informatics team conducts initial tests on technology and then solicits feedback with clinicians before piloting it. In addition, HCA is piloting virtual nursing to handle admissions and discharge, as well as other scenarios to reduce the administrative burden on bedside nurses. Sammie Mosier, HCA Healthcare senior vice president and chief nurse executive, says nurses should be included in technology design to ensure it does not add to the nurse’s workload. (HealthLeaders Media article, 4/3/23)