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Exploring Communication Technology In the Family Birthing
Center
by Ashley Preszcator Year 4 Nursing Student University of Windsor
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY Abstract Technology is being used increasingly in the health care field in order to improve patient outcomes. An e-health nursing initiative has been set forth by the Canadian Nurses Association to direct the development of information and communication initiatives. Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (2009) defines e-health as, "The leveraging of information and communication technology to enhance professional practice in order to promote and facilitate the health and well-being of individuals and families.” The purpose of the article is to explore ways in which communication technology in particular can aid nurses in providing more effective care, and allow for an enhanced health outcome. The article will specifically relate to communication technology application in the Family Birthing Center. This will include the use of video conferencing in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to educate families and promote parental attachment. The application of communication technology at home after the infant and mother have been discharged will also be discussed, as well as suggestions for future research. EXPLORING COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN THE FAMILY BIRTHING CENTER Research has shown video conferencing, also referred to as a video phone call to be more beneficial than telemedicine, which refers to medical information given through the internet or telephone (Grant, McCrossan, & Morgan, 2007). Video conferencing allows a person to see, speak with, and hear another person from the remote area with the use of technology. Some research suggests that nurses and physicians may be able to monitor and assess a patient’s condition while at home using video conferencing (Grant et al.). The majority of nurses working in telehealth help facilitate the caller’s learning by answering questions and providing information to the caller (Kaminsky, Holmstrom, & Rosenqvist, 2008). Video conferencing takes this a step further and allows the caller to see the nurse, and the nurse to see the patient through the use of technology. Communication Technology and Parental Confidence Communication technology can be used to increase the confidence of new parents and parents who have infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It is a very stressful time in a parent’s life when their newborn must stay in the NICU for a long period (Basbakkal, Turan, & Ozbek, 2008). Parents may feel a lost sense of control, disappointment and frustration as they will not be able to take care of their baby the way that they had been hoping. This can lead to a sense of helplessness and insecurity about their role as parents (Basbakkal et al.). Technology can be used to increase the parents’ level of confidence through this difficult life transition. When a mother must be separated from her infant, it is essential for nursing interventions to enhance maternal-infant attachment. The ability for a mother to see her baby immediately after birth allows for positive maternal feelings towards her baby (Franklin, 2006). Visiting can become emotionally, physically and financially exhausting. It may be financially difficult for parents to visit on a regular basis if there is a significant distance from their home to the hospital, or if they lack transportation (Franklin, 2006). By virtually visiting the NICU, parents can still feel connected to their infant on the days when they are unable to visit (Davis, Gray, & Safron, 2000). Video Conferencing in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Communication technology can be utilized while the newborn is in the neonatal intensive care unit. A system can be used which involves a telemedicine program, using videoconferencing and access to the internet. This will allow families of the newborn to have virtual visits to the hospital, meaning they are in their home visiting their infant from afar (Davis et al., 2000) This method has been proved to increase communication between families, staff, and the community agencies. Families can use this tool for distance education while the infant is hospitalized (Davis et al.). Infants can be in the NICU for many weeks, potentially for months. Nursing interventions regarding education include: explaining about the infant’s condition, answering questions, giving emotional support, encouraging them to visit, providing information on how to care for their infant, informing them about treatments and procedures, and explaining the medical devices used in their infant’s treatment. These are all very important ways to improve their confidence before they are discharged from the hospital (Basbakkal et al, 2008).
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