As healthcare systems invest in digital tools, technology decisions often exclude direct nurse input. This gap is becoming more visible as the nursing workforce crisis continues across healthcare systems.
As the nursing workforce crisis continues, Hyochol Brian Ahn, PhD, APRN, FAAN, president of the Asian American Pacific Islander Nurses Association (AAPINA), said the gap can limit the effectiveness of these tools in supporting patient care.
“Nurses need to be part of these decisions,” he said.
Ahn, interviewed at the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations 2026 Annual Health Policy Summit, stressed that nurses offer critical insights into the clinical use of technology.
When Technology Misses the Mark
Rapid adoption of new systems helps healthcare organizations boost efficiency and outcomes.
Without nurse input, these tools may not fit clinical workflows.
Ahn said this disconnect can create challenges at the bedside, where technology should support, not hinder, care.
When systems don’t reflect care delivery, they create friction rather than ease it.
The Nursing Workforce Crisis at the Point of Care
Nurses engage with healthcare technology throughout every shift.
This experience provides clear insight into system performance.
Ahn said this view is critical to judging if technology helps or hinders care.
Including nurses in design ensures tools are practical and usable.
From Users to Decision-Makers
Ahn emphasized that nurses are more than end users.
They should shape decisions from the outset.
Early involvement spots issues before they affect care.
It also leads to systems that better reflect clinical reality.
Technology and Patient Outcomes
Technology’s impact on care depends on integration.
Ahn said successful implementation needs understanding of workflow, communication, and coordination.
When nurses contribute to these decisions, technology is more likely to support safe and effective care.
A Defining Role in the Future of Healthcare
As healthcare evolves, technology will play an increasingly central role.
Ahn said nurses must be part of that process to ensure systems support patient care and reflect real clinical workflows.
