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RN-led innovation: StFX nursing faculty and interdisciplinary team developing first-of-its-kind software to improve health care efficiencies
StFX Rankin School of Nursing faculty Professor Meagan Ryan (left) and Dr. Patti Hansen-Ketchum are leading an interdisciplinary multi-level research initiative at StFX that trials and informs the development of digital technology to help keep patient data in one place and streamline the coordination and care from different health care providers during shifts. It is an RN digital-led technology that would be new to Nova Scotia and to Canada.
In an overburdened health care system, it's not unusual for nurses to face unique challenges. RNs may not always have the collaboration, communication or documentation that they need from health providers to guide everyday care and follow-up. These gaps can undermine their ability to plan, implement, and evaluate quality care.
That's where StFX Rankin School of Nursing faculty Dr. Patti Hansen-Ketchum and Professor Meagan Ryan come in.
The two nursing professors are leading an interdisciplinary multi-level research initiative at StFX that trials and informs the development of digital technology to help keep patient data in one place and streamline the coordination and care from different health care providers during shifts.
"It is an RN digital-led technology that would be new to Nova Scotia and to Canada."
"It is an RN digital-led technology that would be new to Nova Scotia and to Canada," says Dr. Hansen-Ketchum, a Director of Academic Programs in the Rankin School who teaches courses around nursing research, the profession of nursing and health systems.
In improving real-time communication and collaborative care planning, the digital application could transform how care teams work together to meet the needs of patients and families.
Dr. Hansen-Ketchum says she's excited by how this RN-led work could improve health care efficiencies and potentially help optimize quality of care.
"Currently, the sharing of information is done through computer or written notes, by fax, by phone, and even stopping someone to talk in the hallway," says Prof. Ryan, Director of Student Affairs and Educational Initiatives in the Rankin School. Prof. Ryan has expertise in digital health and teaches courses at StFX on the professional role transition.
"There are so many different ways of getting information. It's not efficient and it doesn't always get captured in one place."
These challenges are often exacerbated by staffing shortages and complex demands.
"We know the health system is under a lot of strain currently, and there are gaps in communication and collaboration of the team. This project is helping develop digital technologies that will help bridge the gap.
"These are real world issues that are experienced in every hospital."
GET DATA IN REAL TIME
"It is helping you get the data quicker, in real time," says Dr. Hansen-Ketchum.
The two researchers saw the gap and wanted to leverage their skills to help meet the needs of patients and the profession.
The two researchers saw the gap and wanted to leverage their skills to help meet the needs of patients and the profession.
They've hired fourth year nursing Aidan Murdock as a research assistant and lead a research team that includes StFX faculty Dr. Brittany MacDonald-MacAulay, Dr. Ryan Reid, and Dr. James Hughes from the Engineering, Human Kinetics, and Computer Science departments.
Dr. Hansen-Ketchum and Prof. Ryan say it's been amazing to work with such a diverse team. "They all have such valuable insight," Prof. Ryan says.
As part of multi-phase testing to evaluate the design and application of the software, the team created a simulated scenario that included multiple patients with various issues. Using the Rankin School's Nursing Simulation Lab, they were able to test their digital technology by implementing care and collecting data.
This fall, they plan to engage with an engineering student capstone group and will partner with a rural long term care facility to further test the digital technology and provide feedback on what works and what can be improved. This will follow with subsequent trials in rural health facilities for further data and potential optimization.
Dr. Hansen-Ketchum and Prof. Ryan says it is meaningful that they are working with health care partners to inform the design and that data is coming from the health care system from a user perspective.
