DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY USED IN ICU

Digital Technology Used in ICU

Digital Technology Used in ICU

INTRODUCTION

Much of intensive care practice concerns the restoration and maintenance of disordered physiology. How do we juggle the seemingly impossible dualism: commitment to medical technology versus commitment to individualised personal care? During the past several decades, concerted efforts to develop equipment and procedures have made the modern intensive care unit (ICU) the hospital's most technologically advanced environment. This study focuses on the relationship between technology and caring in technologically intense environments. The purpose is to describe the meaning of care in the ICU, and to find a deeper understanding for the almost total dominance of technology there.

Since the 19th century, physicians have moved through a series of stages: from direct communication with the patient's experiences, based upon verbal techniques to direct connection with their patients' bodies through techniques of physical examination, to direct connection with both the experiences and bodies of their patients through machines and technical experts (Johannisson, 2004). One of the consequences may be a change of focus from the patient to his symptoms, diminishing diagnostic power. Modern medicine focuses on pathological processes, where organ failure and abnormalities tend to take up the health care providers' attention at the price of understanding the patient's reactions to his illness (Almerud, 2007).

Every patient begins his sickness with his own past and with his own expectations of the future (van den Berg, 1972). The patient's credibility is called into question by the Cartesian quest to determine whether the symptoms are 'real' and if they actually reside in the body and not in the mind. From the caring perspective any symptom must be both heard and attended to in its own right. Not just as evidence for an accurate diagnosis (Benner, 2001).

Within health care, the ache to heal seeks incessantly practical-material ways and means to realise its goal. But there is always the remaining need for the human touch (Almerud, 2007).

Technical activities are often seen as more important and stimulating than other nursing activities. This view of nursing is rooted in the assumption that the technical and mechanical aspects of nursing are 'real work'. In this tradition the 'basic' nursing care is seen as low status, less important than the technical tasks and can be done by anyone (Alasad, 2002).

Thesis Statement

Digital technology plays a crucial role insuring the recovery of patient in the ICU.

The concept of technology

We have always had technology and perennially humankind has struggled to situate machines and technical gadgets within the larger space of existential and spiritual possibilities. Heidegger (1993) is clear: technology and the essence of technology (which he names Gestell) are not equivalent. And "the essence of technology is by no means anything technological" (p. 311). Technology is both "a means to an end" and "a human activity". The two belong together (p. 312). Heidegger's word for the essence of technology --Gestell--carries the sense of being framed, set up, or duped. It denotes sterility, mendacity, concealed matters, or ...