An Overview of the Application of Wearable Technology to Nursing Practice

Impact of Wearable Device-Based Walking Programs on Gait Speed in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

As walking abilities are widely affected among the aging population, investigating the effectiveness of wearable device-based walking programs is essential. The intentions of this meta-analysis were to investigate their effects on gait speed among older adults, as well as to include subgroup analysis to evaluate potential effects on individuals with aging-related conditions such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and stroke.

Methods

Systematic retrieval of Pubmed, The Cochrane Library, Embase and Web of Science databases were searched up to February 2024. Outcomes such as gait speed, balance, cadence, and stride length were extracted and analyzed. Study quality was evaluated using the Rob 2 tool and heterogeneity was tested using I2 statistics through STATA 16.

Results

Nine studies with 284 participants were analyzed. The intervention group showed a significant improvement in gait speed (weighted mean difference (WMD) 0.12; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.21). There is a subgroup analysis suggesting differential effects: significant improvements in PD and stroke subgroups, but not in the normal aging group. Balance (WMD: 1.93; 95% CI: 0.20 to 3.66) and stride length (WMD: 8.58; 95% CI: 3.04 to 14.12) were also shown to improve, but the heterogeneity across the studies was moderate (I2 = 63.91%). No significant changes were observed in the Timed Up and Go test, Gait Variability, and Step Width.

Conclusions

Wearable device-based walking programs improve gait speed in older adults, with top notch advantages in the ones tormented by PD or stroke. These findings advocate that such interventions can be a valuable part of individualized treatment strategies in geriatric care, aiming to enhance mobility and usual satisfactory of existence.

Advancing nursing education through wearable electronic devices: A scoping review

AIM

To examine the incorporation of wearable electronic devices in the education of undergraduate nursing students.

BACKGROUND

The advancement of technology has influenced nursing education and will continue to do so in the future. Wearable technologies are electronic devices that can be worn as an accessory and expand the possibilities in nursing education with increased engagement in the learning process.

DESIGN

A scoping review was conducted following JBI and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines.

METHODS

The search was performed on August 25th, 2023, in the databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, ISI Web of Science, ERIC, EBSCOhost CINAHL, EBSCOhost Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost Health Source Nursing, EMBASE, Scopus, BVShost LILACS and ProQuest. Literature that examined the application of wearable electronic devices in the education of undergraduate nursing students was included.

RESULTS

This scoping review study included a total of 21 records published between 2014 and 2023. The analysis showed that smart glasses are the most common wearable electronic device used in nursing education, followed by smartwatches. The devices provide an opportunity for competencies development, especially when applied in the simulation environment, such as physical examination and medication administration. Wearable technologies are potentially useful and feasible as learning tools in nursing education, increasing nursing students' motivation, confidence and satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

In the technological revolution, educators must consider the potential of innovative teaching strategies, such as wearable electronic devices, to advance nursing education. Wearables can contribute to developing competencies required for the professionalism of undergraduate nursing students.

Wearable activity trackers for nurses' health: A qualitative acceptability study

AIM

To assess the practical, social and ethical acceptability of the use of a POLAR® H7 chest-strap wearable device to influence health behaviours among pre-registered nurses.

DESIGN

Qualitative acceptability study including a simulated test of use reported using COREQ guidelines.

METHODS

Pre-registered nurses simulated nine nursing tasks while wearing the chest strap in a clinical simulation facility in a Scottish university in 2016. Focus groups and semi-structured interviews were conducted to assess technology acceptance with participants who did and did not participate in the simulated nursing tasks. Focus groups and interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically guided by a theoretical model of technology acceptance.

RESULTS

Pre-registered nurses thought the use of chest-strap devices to monitor their own health in real-time was acceptable. However, participants shared that it was important that the use of technology was inclusive and supportive of nurses' health and cautioned against misuse of data from wearable devices for individual performance management or stigmatisation.

Information and communication technologies: interfaces the nursing work process

OBJECTIVES

to unveil the meanings that nurses attribute Information and Communication Technologies for the nursing work process.

METHODS

qualitative research, theoretically and methodologically based on the Complexity Theory and on the Grounded Theory, respectively. Research with 19 participants, being 12 clinical nurses, and 7 resident nurses. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection.

RESULTS

the results revealed the meanings that clinical nurses attribute to Information and Communication Technologies and, thus, the motivations and limitations for the use of these technologies, pointing out possibilities and strategies that impact the nursing work process, based on the interactions promoted by the official and non-official use of these resources.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

the meanings that nurses attribute to Information and Communication Technologies are dependent on their ability to successfully employ those technologies and their importance to the work process developed by the professionals.

A scoping review of the nursing workforce's changing demography: Supporting Baby-Boomer nurses

AIMS

This scoping review discusses two telecommuting options to advance scholarship regarding Baby-Boomer nurses' delayed retirement and to extend their contribution to bedside nursing.

BACKGROUND

Peer-reviewed studies published in the 15 years before COVID-19 indicate that Baby-Boomer nurses' retirement will increase the global nursing shortage. However, three international trends have affected Baby-Boomer nurses' decision to delay their retirement.

EVALUATION

This review observed the scoping review framework.

KEY ISSUES

COVID-19 further disrupts the current understanding of Baby-Boomer nurses' retirement as they recognize COVID-19's impact on health care systems and younger nurses. Technological advancements and the changing needs of health care delivery have made telecommuting a practical possibility.

CONCLUSION

Baby-Boomer nurses can leverage alternative work arrangements to meet their needs and to contribute to clinical practice through telecommuting. This approach extends Baby-Boomer nurses' careers and creates a resource for bedside nurses.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Clinical experience matters at the bedside. Telecommuting maximizes the retention of Baby-Boomer nurses' clinical expertise to benefit patients and to socialize bedside nurses. Baby-Boomer nurses can contribute to patient monitoring as well as patient education and counselling through telehealth. They can also provide asynchronous and synchronous telementoring to bedside nurses.