Discussion: Healthcare Information Technology Trends

NURS 6051 Discussion: Healthcare Information Technology Trends

Throughout history, technological advancements have appeared for one purpose before finding applications elsewhere that lead to spikes in its usage and development. The internet, for example, was originally developed to share research before becoming a staple of work and entertainment. But technology—new and repurposed—will undoubtedly continue to be a driver of healthcare information. Informaticists often stay tuned to trends to monitor what the next new technology will be or how the next new idea for applying existing technology can benefit outcomes.

In this Discussion, you will reflect on your healthcare organization’s use of technology and offer a technology trend you observe in your environment.

To Prepare:

Reflect on the Resources related to digital information tools and technologies.

Consider your healthcare organization’s use of healthcare technologies to manage and distribute information.

Reflect on current and potential future trends, such as use of social media and mobile applications/telehealth, Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled asset tracking, or expert systems/artificial intelligence, and how they may impact nursing practice and healthcare delivery. Discussion: Healthcare Information Technology Trends

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By Day 3 of Week 6

Post a brief description of general healthcare technology trends, particularly related to data/information you have observed in use in your healthcare organization or nursing practice. Describe any potential challenges or risks that may be inherent in the technologies associated with these trends you described. Then, describe at least one potential benefit and one potential risk associated with data safety, legislation, and patient care for the technologies you described. Next, explain which healthcare technology trends you believe are most promising for impacting healthcare technology in nursing practice and explain why. Describe whether this promise will contribute to improvements in patient care outcomes, efficiencies, or data management. Be specific and provide examples. Discussion: Healthcare Information Technology Trends

By Day 6 of Week 6

Respond to at least two of your colleagues* on two different days, offering additional/alternative ideas regarding opportunities and risks related to the observations shared.

*Note: Throughout this program, your fellow students are referred to as colleagues.

Submission and Grading Information

Healthcare Information Technology Trends

General Healthcare Technology Trends

Health information technology is in a constant state of evolution to realize the changing needs and demands of healthcare stakeholders. From greater security of information and data to more intense concentration on patient satisfaction, medical software technologies and tools have undergone changes over the years. With continual evolution and disruption, it is not easy to comprehend the specific ways in which these trends will benefit healthcare organizations and professionals plus the challenges they are likely to face. One of the healthcare technologies currently in use, however, that has benefits and risks/challenges associated with its implementation, is that of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs).

Benefits/Risks Associated with Data Safety, Legislation, and Patient Care

There is more to EMRs than just making information and data about patients available in digital format. Since patient data is electronically stored, they are easily accessible by various providers at different times from separate locations. In life-threatening events, their usage can play a crucial role in saving a life (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2017). For instance, by viewing the medical history of the patient, such as past medical conditions, as well as blood type, and allergies, it is possible to make quick treatment decisions (Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT, 2018). EMRs can also improve engagement and communication among healthcare professionals. Although data input and clerical responsibilities can be cumbersome, EMR possesses the potential to leverage communication and interaction that may not have happened otherwise, thus enhancing patient care.

Most Promising Healthcare Technology Trends

With the global population increasing, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) can provide better and new ways of identifying illnesses and developing treatment plans. These developments can also help in establishing efficiencies in clinical trials and medical research, monitor health epidemics, and make clinical operations more efficient in order to deal with the growing demands of healthcare services. Machine learning and AI can assist in improving the efficiency of healthcare delivery so long as the regulatory and governing bodies can establish a way to regulate healthcare algorithms. For instance, AI can predict the probability of a condition occurring, hence, assisting healthcare providers in developing appropriate treatment plans and diagnostics.

References

Dykes, P. C., Rozenblum, R., Dalal, A., Massaro, A., Chang, F., Clements, M., Collins, S. …& Bates, D. W. (2017). Prospective evaluation of a multifaceted intervention to improve outcomes in intensive care: The promoting respect and ongoingsafety through patient engagement communication and technology study. Critical Care Medicine, 45(8), e806–e813.

McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2017). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (4th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (2018). What is an electronic health record (EHR)? Retrieved fromHEALTHIT website https://www.healthit.gov/faq/what-electronic-health-record-ehr

Initial Post – Week 6

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Healthcare technology has dramatically improved since the initial implementation of things like the electronic health record (EHR). When I first started my nursing career, we were not charting on a computer. It was all paperwork. As written by Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) (2020), “The EHR has the ability to generate a complete record of a clinical patient encounter – as well as supporting other care-related activities directly or indirectly via interface – including evidence-based decision support, quality management, and outcomes reporting” (para. 1). The EHR is like a one-stop-shop for information on patients. One technology trend I have seen in my nursing practice is the ability of patients to access their health information via a patient portal. This can be performed on a computer or on a smartphone. Examples of what the patient portals contain are medications the patient is taking, medical problems, and laboratory results (Dykes et al., 2017, e807). Challenges that may come with this is the patient’s ability to access their information. This could be from lack of exposure to up to date technology or the means to own a computer or smartphone. Risks of having this information accessible on their personal computer or smartphone could be if there is a security breach/a virus or if they have their computer/laptop or phone stolen. As stated by Murphy-Abdouch, Dolezel, & McLeod (2017), “As more consumers access their personal health information electronically, privacy and security concerns will become paramount for health information management (HIM) professionals (p. 5).

The benefits of having a patient portal for the institution or physician offices are good communication between patient and provider, patient participation in care, and meeting The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Systems (CMS) EHR incentive programs (Conway, 2015). Two healthcare technology trends I feel have an impact on nursing practice are the increased hiring and use of Nurse Informaticists (NIs) and the sharing of EHR between the hospital and the provider/specialist offices in real-time. The importance of NIs is priceless. These nurses have the hands-on patient experience as well as knowing charting requirements added to the knowledge of IT. For the accessibility of a patient’s chart (medical history, medications etc.) at the time they may be seen for the first time will be beneficial in that allergies are known, medication names, dosages, and such equal continuity of care and patient safety. These two areas can only get better/fine-tuned as time goes on. These will contribute to better patient outcomes.

References

Conway, P. (2015). CMS intends to modify requirements for meaningful use. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Systems. https://doi.org/https://www.cms.gov/blog/cms-intends-modify-requirements-meaningful-use

Mlaver, E., Schnock, K.,…Bates, D. W. (2017). Prospective evaluation of a multifaceted intervention to improve outcomes in intensive care:The promoting respect and ongoing safety through patient engagement communication and technology study. Critical Care Medicine, 45(8), e806–e813. Retrieved March 29, 2020, from https://doi.org/https://class.waldenu.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/USW1/202050_27/MS_NURS/NURS_5051_WC/artifacts/USW1_NURS_5051_Dykes.pdf

Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society. (2020). What are electronic health records (EHRs)?. https://doi.org/https://www.himss.org/electronic-health-records

Murphy-Abdouch, K., Dolezel, Diane, & McLeod, A. (2017). Patient access to personal health information: An analysis of the consumer’s perspective. Perspectives in Health Information Management, 1-19. Retrieved from https://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fsearch.proquest.com%2Fdocview%2F1932294175%3Facc

Rubric Detail

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Name: NURS_5051_Module04_Week06_Discussion_Rubric
Grid View
List View
Excellent Good Fair Poor
Main Posting
45 (45%) – 50 (50%)
Answers all parts of the discussion question(s) expectations with reflective critical analysis and synthesis of knowledge gained from the course readings for the module and current credible sources.

Supported by at least three current, credible sources.

Written clearly and concisely with no grammatical or spelling errors and fully adheres to current APA manual writing rules and style.
40 (40%) – 44 (44%)
Responds to the discussion question(s) and is reflective with critical analysis and synthesis of knowledge gained from the course readings for the module.

At least 75% of post has exceptional depth and breadth.

Supported by at least three credible sources.

Written clearly and concisely with one or no grammatical or spelling errors and fully adheres to current APA manual writing rules and style.
35 (35%) – 39 (39%)
Responds to some of the discussion question(s).

One or two criteria are not addressed or are superficially addressed.

Is somewhat lacking reflection and critical analysis and synthesis.

Somewhat represents knowledge gained from the course readings for the module.

Post is cited with two credible sources.

Written somewhat concisely; may contain more than two spelling or grammatical errors.

Contains some APA formatting errors.
0 (0%) – 34 (34%)
Does not respond to the discussion question(s) adequately.

Lacks depth or superficially addresses criteria.

Lacks reflection and critical analysis and synthesis.

Does not represent knowledge gained from the course readings for the module.

Contains only one or no credible sources.

Not written clearly or concisely.

Contains more than two spelling or grammatical errors.

Does not adhere to current APA manual writing rules and style.
Main Post: Timeliness
10 (10%) – 10 (10%)
Posts main post by day 3.
0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Does not post by day 3.
First Response
17 (17%) – 18 (18%)
Response exhibits synthesis, critical thinking, and application to practice settings.

Responds fully to questions posed by faculty.

Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by at least two scholarly sources.

Demonstrates synthesis and understanding of learning objectives.

Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues.

Responses to faculty questions are fully answered, if posed.

Response is effectively written in standard, edited English.
15 (15%) – 16 (16%)
Response exhibits critical thinking and application to practice settings.

Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues.

Responses to faculty questions are answered, if posed.

Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by two or more credible sources.

Response is effectively written in standard, edited English.
13 (13%) – 14 (14%)
Response is on topic and may have some depth.

Responses posted in the discussion may lack effective professional communication.

Responses to faculty questions are somewhat answered, if posed.

Response may lack clear, concise opinions and ideas, and a few or no credible sources are cited.
0 (0%) – 12 (12%)
Response may not be on topic and lacks depth.

Responses posted in the discussion lack effective professional communication.

Responses to faculty questions are missing.

No credible sources are cited.
Second Response
16 (16%) – 17 (17%)
Response exhibits synthesis, critical thinking, and application to practice settings.

Responds fully to questions posed by faculty.

Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by at least two scholarly sources.

Demonstrates synthesis and understanding of learning objectives.

Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues.

Responses to faculty questions are fully answered, if posed.

Response is effectively written in standard, edited English.
14 (14%) – 15 (15%)
Response exhibits critical thinking and application to practice settings.

Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues.

Responses to faculty questions are answered, if posed.

Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by two or more credible sources.

Response is effectively written in standard, edited English.
12 (12%) – 13 (13%)
Response is on topic and may have some depth.

Responses posted in the discussion may lack effective professional communication.

Responses to faculty questions are somewhat answered, if posed.

Response may lack clear, concise opinions and ideas, and a few or no credible sources are cited.
0 (0%) – 11 (11%)
Response may not be on topic and lacks depth.

Responses posted in the discussion lack effective professional communication.

Responses to faculty questions are missing.

No credible sources are cited.
Participation
5 (5%) – 5 (5%)
Meets requirements for participation by posting on three different days.
0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Does not meet requirements for participation by posting on 3 different days.
Total Points: 100
Name: NURS_5051_Module04_Week06_Discussion_Rubric