Healthcare technology improves clinical outcomes. For instance, Rawlins et al. (2017) highlight the reduction in A1c levels. However, these benefits are only attainable if the patients have a positive attitude (Walker et al., 2021). The negativity or indifference could arise from low health literacy levels or support. Whittemore et al. (2019) also note that financial capacity can influence the effectiveness of healthcare technology in managing diabetes. Some of the devices are costly, e.g., the test strips. Most insurance companies have limited covers on these devices, meaning that the patient must purchase them out-of-pocket.
Technology is also beneficial in improving self-management. Patients learn to develop new, healthier lifestyle habits that are useful to their overall health. For instance, app-based exercise and diet programs can result in weight loss. The weight loss helps prevent cardiovascular diseases, alleviates symptoms of osteoarthritis, and improves the general quality of life. However, even the most efficient apps can attain less-than-optimal results if the patient has competing family and work demands (Whittemore et al., 2019). For instance, if one works for sixteen hours a day, they might lack time to exercise. The work or home environment may also not be conducive to implementing the lifestyle changes.
The demerits of using healthcare technology would include cybersecurity threats and poor device implementation. Security breaches can jeopardize patient safety since the apps may recommend harmful actions, while inadequate implementation lowers their effectiveness, frustrating patients. One can avoid these disadvantages by conducting a diligent market search on the most secure and reliable technological equipment before purchasing.
Consistency with Nursing Practice
The evidence on technology use is consistent with my nursing practice experience. Some patients change the apps after finding them cumbersome. Thus, they may prefer less intricate platforms as long as they allow them to perform the basic tasks. Data breaches are rare and usually originate from physically accessing the patient’s mobile device. The patients usually feel that their privacy has been violated, even if the culprit is a friend or coworker. However, most diabetes patients, including my interviewee, find the various technologies relevant to their health needs.
Barriers and Costs
Different technologies accrue various costs. For instance, a basic glucometer requires that the user periodically purchase test strips and lancets. Insurance plans may not always cover them, especially for type 2 diabetes patients, resulting in additional costs. Meanwhile, the self-management apps require internet connectivity, which may not be available to people living in rural areas. Additionally, language barriers can be a challenge when teaching patients how to use the technology. The problem is even more complex if the patient has low technology and basic literacy levels. Hence, these barriers present disparities that healthcare stakeholders should address to ensure equitable technological benefits for all.
Care Coordination and the use of Community Resources
Care coordination is beneficial since it addresses some of the systematic challenges hindering effective diabetes management. Healthcare providers can liaise with other clinical and non-clinical professionals to ensure that patients benefit from the technology. For instance, they can engage a bilingual relative or professional to translate instructions on using glucometers. Care coordination also improves self-management since patients with low health literacy receive sufficient guidance in adjusting their lifestyles. Meanwhile, community resources allow patients to customize the treatment process. One can explore a vast network of information to find interventions that are suitable for them. Thus, they assist in enhancing patient satisfaction in disease management. I can relate to these findings since my patients have narrated how they have benefitted from various care coordination efforts and community resources. Notably, these approaches have aided in creating culturally-appropriate and personally-acceptable diets.
Barriers
The greatest challenge to care coordination is staff shortage. Some health facilities lack the necessary experts to provide a care continuum for diabetes patients. Moreover, individual caregivers have huge workloads that they cannot afford to engage in extensive care coordination interventions. Similarly, if community resources are inadequate, they cannot serve the population effectively. Some of the resources may not be easily accessible as they are online and may require a monetary subscription.
Standards/Policies
The Centers for Medic
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