UNLOCKING HEALTH-TECH MARVELS: THE NTECH LAB'S QUEST FOR BETTER LIVES

At another corner of Washington State College, some bright minds are setting out on a mission that could revolutionize how we take care of our health.

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A bunch of dedicated nurse researchers are leading the charge at the Nurse Innovation Enhanced Care at Home (NTECH) lab. What's their goal? To explore the world of off-the-shelf health technologies and create new innovations that cater to folks dealing with chronic conditions. They're not just improving health, they're also giving a boost to the quality of life for adults battling these conditions.

You see, health tech isn't just about the fancy gadgets; it's about making life easier and safer for those who need it most. With over a trillion bucks being spent annually in the U.S. on chronic illnesses like congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and neurological woes, it's clear that there's a massive opportunity to help people live better lives.

So what are we talking about here? Think of smart gizmos like fall detection sensors, wearable devices that keep an eye on your vital signs, and mobile apps that help manage chronic conditions. And they're even looking into innovative home improvements like disposable bed sheets and bidets to make life more comfortable.

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While we have consumer-centric reports from organizations like Consumer Reports and AARP, there's been a gap in nursing-focused insights. Shelly Fritz, a whiz in healthcare tech, is on a mission to bridge that gap. The NTECH lab is open for product testing, and if something shines, it'll get a nursing stamp of approval – a rarity in the U.S.

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There's another layer to this cake. Fritz and her squad of nurse researchers aren't just testing gadgets; they're brainstorming new tech to fill the gaps in chronic disease management. They're diving into a mix of fields, from smart homes to mobile app development, and even championing the adoption of health tech in minority communities. They're even calling in tech experts from other disciplines to spice things up, although it's clear this operation is driven by nurses.

One final touch to their grand plan – training a new wave of nurses to dive into the world of health tech. They aim to create a specialized track within WSU's nursing Ph.D. program, where students will learn the ropes of tech, from coding to collaborating with the brilliant minds behind health tech. A residency program is in the works too, with students potentially landing jobs in health tech companies at the end.

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Fritz's ultimate goal is to get more nurses a seat at the table where health tech decisions are made, be it at Apple, Google, Microsoft, or startups. Why? Because nursing expertise from the ground up means better products that truly make a difference in patients' lives. Now, that's a goal worth pursuing.