The influence of high technology care on patients, their relatives and nurses.
This article focuses on the potentially dichotomous relationship of caring for critically ill patients in a high technology environment. Does technology enhance or hinder the quality of patient care delivered by nurses in such an environment? The discussion within this article is initially at a societal level before focusing at an interpersonal level within a specific care setting. The author argues for finding a balance between high technology and humanity within the intensive care environment by highlighting the psychological impact that this may have on patients, relatives and nurses. Guidance as to how a balance may be achieved is also provided. Technology is an explicit theme within the text, whilst the concept of power that technology holds is discussed in an implicit manner.
Wilkinson
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D003422:Critical Care / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D006808:Humanism; D006801:Humans; D013677:Medical Laboratory Science / Q000592:standards*; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support