Celebrating the Backbone of Healthcare this International Nurses Day 2023
Hyderabad, May 12, 2023: International Nurses Day is celebrated annually on May 12th to mark Florence Nightingale's birthday, the founder of modern nursing. The day offers an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the hard work of nurses around the world. This is especially true for India, where the nursing community faces a myriad of challenges that impact their professional growth, well-being, and the overall quality of healthcare delivery. The theme for this year- “Our Nurses. Our Future” offers a valuable reminder that nurses have a crucial role in providing quality care and health services to people, today and in the future.
Nurses are the backbone of any health care system. They play a vital role in humanizing healthcare by providing essential services and enhancing patient care and safety. With the advent of AI technology, nursing in India is transforming rapidly and has empowered nurses to save more lives. AI-based tools are assisting nurses in their roles, allowing them to make decisions faster and with much more accuracy than before. AI can provide critical support for nurses, by helping them deliver personalized care thereby, improving patient outcomes, and increasing operational efficiency. By employing AI technology, nurses can make a significant impact on the healthcare industry and bring about positive clinical outcomes for the safety of the patient.
With 1.7 nurses per 1,000 population, India falls short of the WHO recommended rate of 3 nurses per 1,000 population, the country needs 4.3 million more nurses by 2024 to meet WHO norms. This is where a technology solution like Dozee comes in, it enables healthcare workers to remotely monitor patients’ vital parameters such as heart rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation levels, temperature, and ECG. Dozee’s Early Warning System (EWS) tracks the trends of vital parameters and provides alerts to healthcare providers for early detection of patients' clinical deterioration, enabling timely medical intervention. Research done by independent consulting firm Sattva shows that for every ~100 Dozee connected beds, it can save ~144 lives and ~80% of the time taken for vitals by nurses and reduce ICU ALOS by ~1.3 days.
Dr Jothi Clara Michael, Director Of Nursing, IHH Healthcare India, Founder & First Vice President ANEI shared her thoughts on the importance of this year's theme-"On this special day, as we celebrate International Nurses Day in India, let us recognize the transformative potential of technology in our noble profession. By embracing digital advancements, we can bridge gaps in healthcare, break barriers of distance, and improve patient outcomes across our diverse nation. Technology empowers us to reach beyond the limitations of resources and create innovative solutions that enhance the quality and accessibility of care. Together, let us harness the power of technology as we continue to serve with compassion, dedication, and a relentless commitment to the well-being of every individual in our great nation."
Technology can assist nurses with various tasks such as monitoring vital signs, administering medication accurately, accessing medical records quickly, and communicating effectively with patients and colleagues. By embracing technology, nurses can work smarter rather than harder while improving patient outcomes.
On International Nurses Day and beyond, let us recognize and appreciate the dedication and invaluable contributions of nurses in India. They are the heart and soul of the healthcare system, serving as advocates, educators, and caregivers. They play a crucial role in the lives of patients, families, and communities, providing comfort and support during times of vulnerability. Their commitment to delivering exceptional care, often going above and beyond the call of duty, deserves our utmost appreciation and recognition.