Enhancing Patient Care Through Technology: The Role of Nurses in Digital Healthcare System

Abstract

This study examined nurses' use of digital health technologies and its association with patient care outcomes in a private hospital in Quezon City. It investigated the level of technology integration and use in healthcare, including electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, digital tools, and health applications, and assessed their relationships with patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, and service efficiency. Data were collected from nurses using a structured survey questionnaire and analyzed through quantitative descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and tests of difference. The research also examines nurses’ attitudes towards digital health applications, the difficulties they face during adoption, and the determinants of their effectiveness. Three interconnected theories are adopted to build a conceptual framework. Technology Competency of Caring in Nursing Theory by Locsin, the Science of Caring Theory by Jean Watson, and the Role Adaptation Mode. These theories support the study of how digital health applications help nurses improve patient care outcomes. The findings revealed that the respondents generally demonstrated a high level of technology utilization in healthcare settings. The study shows that the use and integration of digital health technologies are highly correlated with improved quality of care in a private hospital in Quezon City. The respondents showed a high degree of acceptance and use of various forms of digital health technologies such as electronic health records, telehealth platforms, digital devices, and health apps. The study has identified a significant effect of nurses' use of digital health applications on patient improvement, patient satisfaction, and service efficiency. The study is limited to a specific time frame and geographical area, which may limit the generalizability of the results to other healthcare settings with varying technological infrastructure or policies. In spite of these limitations, the research offers significant insights into the role of nurses in utilizing digital health applications to enhance patient care and efficiency of the healthcare system. It is highly recommended that any future research on the use of digital technologies in healthcare address other variables, such as organizational culture, leadership support, technological readiness, and nurses' attitudes towards digital innovation. This study aims to provide empirical evidence to support improvements in nursing practice, digital health integration, healthcare policies, and patient care delivery in healthcare institutions.