This reflection paper will discuss my practicum experience and the opportunity to work as a nurse I have had with a focus on improving health outcomes for overweight autistic teenagers. Throughout this experience, I have been actively utilizing evolving technologies, such as electronic health records (EHRs), mobile applications, wearable devices, and telehealth, to optimize care delivery for this population. This reflection paper will delve into my practicum experience, discussing the impact of evolving technology and the achievements and challenges encountered in improving health outcomes for overweight autistic teenagers.

Effect of Evolving Technology and Trends

As a nurse working for overweight autistic teenagers, evolving technology and trends have significantly impacted the practice setting. Adopting technologies such as EHRs, mobile applications, wearable devices, and telehealth has positively affected patient safety and care outcomes.

The evolving technology and trends in healthcare have shown promising effects on overweight autistic teenagers. For instance, using electronic health records (EHRs) has been found to enhance care coordination and improve outcomes. According to a study published in the Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, implementing EHRs in pediatric settings improved documentation accuracy, increased communication among healthcare providers, and reduced medical errors (AlThubaity & Mahdy Shalby, 2023). This suggests that adopting EHRs can potentially have similar positive effects on the care of overweight autistic teenagers, leading to better management of their health conditions.

Moreover, using mobile applications and wearable devices in weight management interventions has demonstrated positive outcomes in various populations. A systematic review published in the Journal of Current Obesity Reports found that mobile health interventions, including apps and wearable devices, have shown promise in promoting physical activity, healthy eating, and weight loss (Vajravelu & Arslanian, 2021). While specific statistics on the effectiveness of these interventions in overweight autistic teenagers are limited, these findings suggest that incorporating technology-based interventions may positively impact their weight management.

Additionally, the rise of telehealth services has opened up new opportunities for healthcare delivery in remote or underserved areas. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine reported that telehealth interventions have effectively delivered specialized care to individuals with autism spectrum disorders, including weight management support (Gabellone et al., 2022). The ability to remotely connect with healthcare providers through video consultations and digital platforms may help overcome geographical barriers and improve access to care for overweight autistic teenagers.

While evolving technology and trends have the potential to benefit overweight autistic teenagers greatly, their adoption also presents challenges that need to be addressed. One challenge is ensuring the privacy and security of patient information in the digital era. As more data is collected and transmitted through electronic health records and mobile applications, there is an increased risk of data breaches and unauthorized access (Chenthara et al., 2019). Robust policies and safeguards must be in place to protect sensitive information and comply with privacy regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Furthermore, as technology evolves rapidly, healthcare providers must stay updated and trained on using new technologies effectively and efficiently. Adequate training and ongoing support should be provided to ensure healthcare professionals can maximize the potential benefits of these tools while minimizing the risk of errors or inefficiencies (Albahri et al., 2023). As a nurse, it is important to stay informed about emerging technologies and trends and to provide education and training to healthcare providers to ensure their effective use.