Nursing + Technology: Power Duo to Build and Maintain Patient Trust

The latest blog from our nursing team highlights the importance of nurse-patient interactions in building trust and transforming the healthcare experience, diving into the vital role of smart room tech in building these meaningful connections.

Think back to the interactions you’ve had in healthcare. How often was a nurse your main point of contact? Nurses are there to guide us, to help us, to communicate and educate us. Those moments of connection can transform a patient's experience.

When a nurse spends time with patients to explain treatments, answer questions, and provide reassurance, they are not just communicating information. They are building and maintaining essential trust.

During National Nurses Week, we recognized how these critical interactions form the foundation of effective healthcare, especially as nurses, care teams and patients navigate an increasingly technology-rich environment.

Clear communication consistently ranks as the most influential factor in patient satisfaction and trust. When patients understand their care plan and feel heard by their healthcare team, their confidence in treatment decisions and outcomes significantly improves. “Patients need to feel confident in their care, that their well-being is top priority,” says Erin Pangallo, MS, BSN, RN, Clinical Implementation Director at Vibe Health by eVideon and a nurse with 30 years of experience. “They need clarity to understand their care plan and their role in their own care."

And today, patients have access to a seemingly infinite source of information, from search engines, social media, and healthcare websites. They still expect their providers to be the trusted voice of clarity.

When thoughtfully implemented, technology serves to strengthen this vital trust relationship in several ways:

Consistent, Timely Information‍

A study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research indicates that “efficient exchange and communication of information across a patient’s care pathway is fundamental to the care coordination process.” Digital whiteboards like Vibe Health Insight and door signs provide real-time information for care teams and patients, ensuring everyone has access to the same accurate, up-to-date information. ‍

Safety, Prioritized‍

Jennifer Taylor, MSN, RN, Clinical Solutions Director at Vibe Health by eVideon and a nurse of 20 years, notes, “Safety is of the highest priority for patients and hospital staff. Our solutions provide critical safety information outside the patient door.” With this real-time communication on digital door signs, the care team is aware of potential safety concerns such as fall prevention, infection prevention or dietary requirements before they even step into the patient room.‍

Patient and Family Empowerment‍

On-demand educational resources give patients the tools to actively participate in their care and recovery. A 2022 study reported in McKnights Long-Term Care News found that improved discharge communication and education “could help increase patient confidence to manage their conditions and prevent being readmitted to the hospital.” With solutions such as Vibe Health Engage TV, patients can review information at their own pace and as often as needed, while nurses can follow up with questions and deeper interaction to evaluate a patient’s understanding of the material.

Meeting Modern Expectations with a Patient-Centered Approach

Patients often expect the same digital ease they find in everyday life. Think about the customer experience at a hotel, the gym, or even the grocery store. Nearly everything is supported and enabled by technology.

But to maintain trust with patients, healthcare technology must be meaningful, not just impressive. Erin emphasizes, “The technology has to serve a purpose; it has to be very clear and patient-centric.”

Effective healthcare environments leverage technology to handle routine tasks so nurses can focus on the activities and conversations that require empathy, clinical judgment, and human connection. While technology offers valuable support, personal interaction is irreplaceable.

Nurses skillfully blend technological tools with compassionate care, creating an environment where patients leave with the knowledge and confidence to manage their care at home. In nurses’ hands, technology solutions are powerful support for building and maintaining patient trust.

COMING SOON >> Part 2 of this blog series—A Critical Voice: Why Nurse Input Makes or Breaks Technology Implementation.

For more information on our Vibe Health smart room platform, or to contact a member of our nursing team, contact us at hello@evideon.com.