Potentialities and Difficulties of Technological Mediation in the Work of Nurse Managers in Hospitals

Abstract

Objective to describe the potentialities and difficulties mentioned by nurse managers in the use of technologies in hospitals. Method qualitative, descriptive-exploratory study, conducted in the period of one year, 2019 to 2020, in Brazil and Portugal, in four hospitals. Data were collected through interviews, following a semi-structured script, involving 71 nurse managers. For data analysis, resources of the ATLAS.ti software were used, following the precepts of thematic content analysis and work process theory. Results nurse managers consider that technologies contribute to the improvement of institutional processes, information recording, time management, data storage and patient safety. Among the difficulties, problems related to the work instruments themselves are highlighted, such as lack of equipment/computers, slowness and lack of systems integration; and related to the workforce, such as time management, cultural adaptation, lack of knowledge and training to use technology. Conclusion innovative technologies contribute to management work, but their effectiveness depends on training, adequate number of professionals, in addition to efficient and integrated equipment and information systems.

Lean Methodology Implementation in the Emergency Department of a University Hospital: Management and Sustainable Development

“…However, the transformation in the way of working brought unexpected consequences and reactions during its implementation, especially with regard to workers and the cultural change related to the new management model. This data corroborates a study carried out in hospitals in Brazil and Portugal, which identified difficulties related to technology (work tools) on the part of the workforce and cultural adaptation to the use of these technologies 26 . For this reason, these actions have been evaluated and have undergone adjustments and changes according to the needs of the service.…”

“…The quality and efficiency of the work processes in the ES are perceived by indicators and technologies that evaluate the monitoring of actions and indicate possible failures adopted by the institutions 4 . When health systems are not operable, the generation of indicators and the consequent decision-making by managers are compromised 5 .…”