Nursing Practice and the Use of Mobile Health Applications: Legal Risks and Considerations

Kazanskiy Cernuzzi^*
*Correspondence: Kazanskiy Cernuzzi, Department of Surgical Nursing, Near East University, Turkey, Email:

Introduction

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the legal risks and considerations associated with the use of mobile health applications in nursing practice. It will address key areas of concern, such as patient data security, liability in the event of errors or misuse, the role of informed consent, and the broader implications of digital healthcare technology on nursing ethics and professionalism. By examining these issues in detail, this work seeks to equip nurses with the knowledge and understanding necessary to navigate the legal complexities of mHealth technologies while continuing to provide high-quality, patient-centered care. In doing so, it will highlight strategies for mitigating legal risks, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining the trust and safety of patients in the digital age. For example, apps that allow for tracking of chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension help nurses to monitor patient progress, offer reminders for medication adherence, and provide tailored education based on individual patient needs. Other apps assist in streamlining administrative tasks, improving communication within healthcare teams, and promoting continuing professional development through access to the latest clinical guidelines [2]. As nurses incorporate mobile health technologies into their practice, they must maintain their professional accountability and be aware of the potential for legal liabilities. Nurses are legally responsible for the care they provide, and if an error occurs due to a malfunction or misuse of an mHealth app, the nurse may be held liable for malpractice or negligence. For example, if a nurse relies on inaccurate data from a health app to make a clinical decision, or if the app fails to alert the nurse to a critical change in the patientâ??s condition, it could lead to patient harm and subsequent legal action. Moreover, the rapid pace of technological change poses a challenge in terms of professional competence. Nurses must stay updated on the evolving landscape of mobile health technologies, ensuring that they are adequately trained to use these tools safely and effectively. Institutions must provide ongoing education and support to nursing staff to mitigate the risks of technology-related errors. Without proper training or guidance, nurses could face professional discipline or legal consequences for failing to meet the standard of care.

Description

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the legal risks and considerations associated with the use of mobile health applications in nursing practice. It will address key areas of concern, such as patient data security, liability in the event of errors or misuse, the role of informed consent, and the broader implications of digital healthcare technology on nursing ethics and professionalism. By examining these issues in detail, this work seeks to equip nurses with the knowledge and understanding necessary to navigate the legal complexities of mHealth technologies while continuing to provide high-quality, patient-centered care. In doing so, it will highlight strategies for mitigating legal risks, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining the trust and safety of patients in the digital age. For example, apps that allow for tracking of chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension help nurses to monitor patient progress, offer reminders for medication adherence, and provide tailored education based on individual patient needs. Other apps assist in streamlining administrative tasks, improving communication within healthcare teams, and promoting continuing professional development through access to the latest clinical guidelines [2].

Conclusion

The use of mobile health applications in nursing practice brings a host of benefits, including improved patient outcomes, enhanced communication, and greater efficiency. However, it also introduces legal and ethical challenges that must be carefully considered. Nurses must be proactive in understanding the legal risks associated with the use of mHealth apps, including issues related to data privacy, informed consent, malpractice, and regulatory compliance. By staying informed, seeking proper training, and using technology responsibly, nurses can navigate these challenges and ensure that they provide highquality, legally sound, and ethically responsible care to their patients. This paper will explore these risks in greater detail and offer strategies for mitigating legal liabilities in the context of mHealth technology.

References

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