This week in class we were introduced to
the eShift model of care. Before this class I was unaware what eShift was and
what part it plays in health care. South-West LHIN describes eShift as “a
technology-based initiative that connects an enhanced-skill Personal Support
Worker (PSW) in the home with a registered nurse via a web-enabled iPhone” (p.1).
The eShift allows for care to take place in the home of the client. If a
certain issue or question arises, the PSW is able to contact a nurse and
proceed using their feedback.
This weeks class facilitation provided a
case study regarding a PSW working in-home with the patient. From the
perspective of the patient, her spouse, the PSW and the RN we were asked to
reflect on the pros and cons that the eShift model would have on each member. There
are many strengths that the eShift can potentially have on these people. The
client will feel less as though they are a burden to others and there will be a
decrease in stress put on spouses or family members who were originally caring
for the patient. There will also be an increase in job opportunities for PSWs
as well as nurses. Some further positives to using eShift are that the client
is able to receive care in their home environment where they most likely feel
comfortable. The client will also have a personalized relationship with the
PSW, where their needs will be looked after at constant times. This model also
aids in creating a learning experience where nurses are able to practice
communication through technology with other health professionals. This concept
relates to the CHNC’s fifth standards of practice: Capacity building, where
nurses “actively share knowledge with other professionals and community
partners and appreciates the importance of collaborative team work” (Community
Health Nurses of Canada, 2011, p.19).
With every advantage there are some
disadvantages. When caring for patients, it is in the health care providers
scope of practice to be knowledgeable of how to provide care. When a PSW is
unsure of something and requires assistance from the nurse, they, as well as
the client are in a vulnerable position as they wait for a response. Some may also argue that this type of care takes
away from a therapeutic relationship, as the PSW is focusing on their mobile
device as well as the registered nurse never seeing their client that they are
working with. Further potential issues may be the cost of this technology,
privacy and security concerns as technology at times can be unreliable, as well the need to implement teaching programs. With health literacy, some people may
not own mobile devices or know how to use them. This will make it difficult for
those people to adjust to the use of technology. What are your thoughts on
eShift? Do the benefits outweigh the costs?
When our professor posed the question of
whether a nurse needs to be physically present to undertake a nursing role, my
initial response would be no. However, after further reflection I believe that
this would impact the nurse’s care. In order to provide positive, efficient
care, it would be beneficial to have that face-to-face interaction with
patients. I believe that the eShift model is an advanced new form of health
care that could have the potential to be integrated and built upon in the
future. However, due to the many positives and negatives of this technology, I
am still unsure whether it would truly benefit health care. This model has
expanded my understanding and view of nursing. I have always viewed the nurses
as providing first hand care to patients and not being the ones who were on the
other end of the line communicating to clients via text.
Here is a video on YouTube I came across
on eShift. It talks about what it is, who it involves and some of the benefits
to this model.
References
Community Health Nurses of Canada. (2011). Professional practice model & standards of practice.
Canadian Community Health Nursing. Retrieved from
Canadian Community Health Nursing. Retrieved from
http://www.chnc.ca/documents/chnc-standards-eng-book.pdf
SouthWestLHIN. (Producer) (2012 ). Quality award winner - eshift [Web].
Retrieved from
South-West Local Health Integration Network. (nd). eShift helps patients and the South West
CCAC. Retrieved from http://www.southwestlhin.on.ca/newsletter.aspx?id=60
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