Health Systems Leveraging Patient Engagement Technologies, AI & Virtual Nursing to Reduce Interruptions & Alleviate Nurse Cognitive Load

The cognitive burden nurses face is a growing concern for health systems, highlighting the potential value of patient engagement technologies in alleviating some of these pressures.  Addressing this challenge is crucial to improving patient outcomes, nurse satisfaction, and overall operational efficiency. In a recent healthsystemCIO Webinar panel discussion, industry leaders Kat Collard, MS, RN, CNIO at ChristianaCare; Simmy King, DNP, CNIO at Children’s National Hospital; and Katherine Virkstis, VP of Clinical Advisory Services at Get Well, shared their insights on how technology can alleviate nurses’ workload and enhance their ability to provide care.

Understanding the Scope of Cognitive Burden

The cognitive burden for nurses is multifaceted, as Collard explained. From alarms and communication challenges to workload management, nurses face layers of demands that can be overwhelming. “It’s not one thing; it’s many things layered together. Organizing these layers to make sense for nurses should be our goal.” Nurses often grapple with complex workflows that demand not only their physical presence but also constant mental agility. King emphasized that cognitive burden impacts nurses’ ability to recall, organize, and manage tasks effectively. “Distractions, nuanced workflows, and interruptions challenge task management and critical thinking, further complicating the clinical environment,” she said, pointing to the need for user-friendly EHRs and robust decision support systems to address these issues.

Adding to these challenges is the pervasive issue of interruptions. Virkstis highlighted their frequency and impact. “Nurses face an average of nine interruptions per hour. These interruptions act like a mental pause button without the ability to fast forward or rewind,” she explained. Reorienting after each disruption takes time and mental energy, often increasing the risk of errors. She noted how these disruptions can fragment workflows, making tasks longer and more error-prone.

The Role of Virtual Nursing and AI

One promising approach to mitigating these issues is virtual nursing, which has shown significant potential to reduce workload. King described how virtual nursing pilots at Children’s National have led to improved patient and family experiences, particularly during discharge processes. “A virtual nurse can create a one-to-one relationship with patients during discharge, providing an uninterrupted experience that enhances safety and satisfaction,” she noted. Virtual nursing not only addresses immediate workload concerns but also supports broader organizational goals of improving care delivery. Collard echoed this sentiment, explaining that virtual nurses at ChristianaCare take on non-physical tasks like patient education and participating in rounds, relieving bedside nurses of some responsibilities.

AI and ambient technologies are also emerging as game-changers. “AI can help with tasks like summarizing patient data or identifying discharge readiness, saving significant time and effort,” King said. However, she emphasized the importance of piloting these technologies in diverse environments to ensure their effectiveness. AI tools, if well-designed, can significantly ease cognitive burdens by integrating and presenting data in actionable ways. Collard stressed the potential for AI-driven tools to consolidate fragmented EHR data, noting, “If lab values and related history could be presented together, it would save nurses from hunting for information across multiple systems.”

Empowering Nurses Through Patient Engagement Technologies

Patient-facing tools, such as virtual observation support and meal ordering systems, offer another way to ease the burden on nurses. Virkstis described how empowering patients to access these services directly can allow nurses to focus on clinical care. “Non-AI tools can be just as effective in reducing non-clinical tasks for nurses,” she said. This approach leverages existing technologies in innovative ways to relieve some of the pressures nurses face.

The success of these solutions, however, depends heavily on their design and implementation. The panelists agreed on the importance of including experienced nurses in these processes. “Nurses need a strong voice to ensure that solutions align with real-world workflows,” said Collard.

King added, “Design principles must consider how nurses work, not just how technology functions.” Effective implementation also requires continuous feedback and improvement. She advocated for iterative feedback loops in technology deployment to optimize tools and workflows. “Whether it’s piloting a new system or enhancing existing ones, a culture of continuous improvement is essential,” King said.

Collaboration and a Vision for the Future

Collaboration with technology vendors was also highlighted as critical. Virkstis discussed the importance of building strategic partnerships. “We’ve established councils and cohorts to gather input from healthcare leaders, ensuring our solutions address the most pressing challenges,” she explained. These partnerships can foster innovation, ensuring that new tools are not only effective but also relevant to the clinical environment. By working closely with vendors, health systems can co-develop solutions that directly address their unique challenges.

The future of healthcare technology is not just about addressing current issues but also envisioning transformative possibilities. Virkstis suggesting a reimagination of what discharge means: “Can we build a healthcare system that never discharges the patient? Instead of absolving responsibility, let’s create a connected ecosystem that supports patients wherever they are. This is how we transform care.”

This vision underscores the shared belief that patient engagement technologies can not only reduce nurses’ cognitive burden but also enhance care delivery. It reflects a broader shift toward patient-centered care, where technology acts as an enabler rather than a barrier. By prioritizing thoughtful design, collaboration, and innovation, health systems can pave the way for a more sustainable and effective nursing workforce. These advancements promise a future where nurses can focus more on what they do best—caring for patients—while technology handles the complexities of workflow and data management.

Watch, “Strategies & Tools for Easing Nurses’ Cognitive Burden,” here.