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Jim, I cannot say I am 100% optimistic regarding technological advances and increased usage in the hospital, for the quality of care depends predominantly on the providers. Instead, I can only imagine how the quality of care can be improved with more collaboration. With technological advances in communication at the wheel, great things could be accomplished. Ultimately, its up to the healthcare providers to drive. UTGH1-CW

In response to UTGH1-CH Colleen, I have also noticed the increase in use of cell phones on the floor. While I believe it much more useful and effective than the conventional pagers and relayed messages, I think patients might view this as a breach in professionalism. I have heard a patient state "If he would get off of his phone, he could help me." This is a terrible thing to hear. However, it is all about making the patient aware of the extent of communication between healthcare members regarding their plan of care. These methods definitely have their place in the healthcare world, but how do we get the patients involved? UTGH1-CW

In response to UTGH2-MT: Maria, I completely agree with idea that these technological advances are great ways to keep in contact with patients. I also receive confirmations of appointments via other methods other than voice calls. Unfortunately, we can both see that the issue of data security will be an ongoing problem with these methods. With this direct communication via emails and text messages, comes the problem of the patient's technological skill set. While I personally treasure these forms of communication, I completely understand why some would want to hold on to conventional forms of communication. UTGH1-CW

Without a doubt, technology has greatly exaggerated our everyday communication. Today, when people wake up, one of the first things they do is check their text messages, emails, and various social media accounts on cell phones and tablets. These devices have virtually become a part of the human body's anatomy. Advances and availability of such technology has definitely led to more impersonal means of communication. Physical face-to-face communication is becoming increasingly less common. However, this is not always negative. With these tools, it is quick and simple to let someone know that you are going to be late or must schedule a meeting. They allow you to research things without pulling out encyclopedias and dusty text books. With Skype and FaceTime, one can conduct business interviews in a technologically enhanced face-to-face manner. These advances in communication technology has improved methods of data sharing in the healthcare setting, which directly affects patient care (Sewell, 2013). With these developments, data bounces around the hospital floor-to-floor and is reviewed by various members of the health care team. Augmentation to the electronic medical record can be done anywhere and viewed by pertinent providers. This has allowed physicians and nurses to have more time with the patient. Without having to plunder through papers and notes, health care providers can access the patient's information and make changes to their plan of care in less time. According to a study on technology and productivity, providers in the hospital waste more than 45 minutes each day fumbling with outdated technology (The Ponemon Institute, 2013). This wasted time results in an estimated $1 million in hospital costs annually, with an estimated cost of $5.1 billion nation-wide. Imagine if more providers used text messaging and Wi-fi enabled tablets throughout their work day. This wasted time could be transformed into more face-to-face time spent with the patient. UTGH1-CW References Sewell, J. & Thede, L.Q. (2013) Informatics and nursing: Opportunities and challenges. (4th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott. The Ponemon Institute. (2013). The Economic and productivity impact of IT security on healthcare. Traverse City, Michigan.