What is Over Reliance in Nursing?
Over reliance in nursing refers to the excessive dependency on certain tools, technologies, or individuals for patient care, potentially leading to negative outcomes. This can include an over reliance on electronic health records (EHRs), clinical decision support systems (CDSS), or even more experienced colleagues.
Why is Over Reliance a Concern?
Over reliance is a concern because it can compromise the quality of care. For instance, depending too much on
EHRs can lead to overlooking important patient information that is not digitized. Similarly, relying heavily on
CDSS might inhibit critical thinking and clinical judgment among nurses.
Loss of Critical Thinking: Nurses may become less proficient in critical thinking and
clinical judgment if they rely too much on automated systems.
Errors: An over reliance on technology can result in errors if the technology fails or provides incorrect information.
Burnout: Over reliance on more experienced colleagues can lead to increased workload for those individuals, contributing to burnout.
Reduced Patient Interaction: Dependency on EHRs for patient information may reduce the time nurses spend interacting with patients, potentially affecting the quality of care.
Education and Training: Regular
professional development sessions can help nurses maintain and enhance their clinical skills.
Balanced Use of Technology: Encourage a balanced use of technology, emphasizing that it should complement, not replace, clinical judgment.
Team Collaboration: Foster a collaborative team environment where knowledge and responsibilities are shared, reducing the load on any single individual.
Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits to identify and address any instances of over reliance on technology or individuals within the nursing team.
Setting Policies: Implement policies that promote balanced use of technology and encourage continuous skill development.
Providing Resources: Ensure that nurses have access to the necessary resources and support for professional growth.
Promoting Teamwork: Encourage a culture of teamwork where responsibilities are shared, and knowledge is disseminated among all team members.
Conclusion
Over reliance in nursing is a multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive approach to address effectively. By emphasizing
education and training, promoting balanced use of technology, fostering teamwork, and implementing supportive policies, the risks associated with over reliance can be mitigated, ultimately leading to better patient care and nurse satisfaction.
