Discussion: Healthcare Information Technology Trends
Discussion: Healthcare Information Technology Trends
Documentation in health care is essential and is necessary in providing safe patient care. “Nursing professionals have an ethical duty to ensure patient safety” (McConigle & Mastrian 2023). Anyone in the healthcare professions has likely heard of the saying “if it’s not documented it didn’t happen.” If a sentinel event should occur the hospital, joint commission and possibly the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) will conduct a thorough review on the chart of the deceased patient. Therefore, we as healthcare professional need to ensure that we document in the electronic health record (EHR) correctly and in a timely manner. The purpose of this discussion is to elaborate on a healthcare technology trend within my organization and potential risks or challenges that may arise.
About two years ago my organization was one of the first in the United States to start training on Noninvasive Cardiac system (NICaS) and to launch this testing into the field. “Non-Invasive Cardiac System (NICaS™) is a new hemodynamic navigator using the principle of bioimpedance for non-invasive measurement of cardiac output (CO) and its derivatives.” (Bhavya et al., 2020). When using the NICaS the patients date of birth, height, weight, preexisting diseases, and current medications are entered into the EHR. The testing works by applying two electrodes to each wrist, or one to each wrist and each ankle. The testing is conducted within three minutes and is done in the patient’s home. The testing is used to monitor unstable hemodynamic patients and those that have complications with fluid. The results will allow the nurse to see if they are dehydrated or in fluid overload. We often use NICaS on congestive heart failure (CHF) patients. Once the testing is completed the nurse will then send the results with any recommendations immediately to the providing doctor. Often if the doctor that ordered the NICaS is a primary care physician they will consult with the patient’s cardiologist and send that physician the results as well. They can then elaborate on a treatment plan for the home health nurse to provide the patient.
A potential challenge associated with the NICaS is that you cannot fax without having internet in the home. While the system came with its own wifi, depending on the location it would not work. This could delay the treatment process. A risk associated with this technology is the possibility of misdiagnosing a patient if the patient information is not entered correctly, such as the current medications. Another potential risk is patient information leaking or being stolen since the test results are faxed. However, being able to immediately fax the results to the physician is also a major benefit in the treatment process. If there is a drastic change that needs address promptly the nurse can call the physician’s office to let them know the results are being faxed now and need addressed. This often leads us to treating CHF in the start of fluid overload in the home instead of being hospitalized. I do believe as the NICaS testing continues to launch across the United States that it will have a major impact on patients. “The NI medical NICaS system provides a much-needed solution for non-invasive hemodynamic and fluid management in both inpatient and outpatient settings. “ (NICaS, 2023). The NICaS testing allows the patient to be monitor closely in the comfort of their own home. The testing can also be conducted as often as the physician orders it to be done. If a patient is a very unstable CHF patient the more frequent testing that is done the less likely the patient is to experience a CHF exacerbation.
Discussion: Healthcare Information Technology Trends
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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.
I enjoyed reading your post. Electronic Health Records or EHR have been in development since 1960, but it was not until 2009 that it became mandated by the United States (Atherton, 2011). This shaped the healthcare industry in an amazing way. It improved the legibility of orders, comprehensiveness, and ease of access to information and improved the way we track the data for quality of care more easily (Atherton, 2011). Some barrier to obtaining the EHR would be the high cost.
According to the agency for healthcare research and quality, for small, private practices, some EHR is not practical due to high cost, concerns that the system will become obsolete, lack of skilled resources for implementation and support, and concern regarding the negative unintended consequences of technology (n.d.) Overall, the era of utilizing the electronic health record is here, and embracing this technology and overcoming these barriers can help advance the healthcare industry.
References:
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (n.d.). Electronic Medical Record Systems. Electronic Medical Record Systems | Digital Healthcare Research. Retrieved January 4, 2023, from https://digital.ahrq.gov/
Atherton, J. (2011). Development of the electronic health record. AMA Journal of Ethics, 13(3), 186–189. https://doi.org/10.1001/
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
In a connected care environment, more citizens are engaging in their health care through mobile apps and social media tools (Skiba, 2017). Patients are staying informed and becoming more involved in their care through mobile apps that offer many patient care functions such as appointment scheduling, seeking medical advice, refilling medication, and viewing information from past visits. Kaiser Permanente promotes the use of their mobile application and telehealth options for patients seeking care.
Mobile devices and apps provide many benefits for HCPs, perhaps most significantly increased access to point-of-care tools, which has been shown to support better clinical decision-making and improved patient outcomes (Ventola, 2014). Lots of education on the use of the KP application happens during appointments and visits at Kaiser Permanente from health care team members and staff. Patients are encouraged to use the technology trends adopted by the KP organization for health management.
Potential challenges that patients may face when using technology trends is the limitation of skills related to resources and age. Elderly patients may find it difficult to navigate mobile applications efficiently. Resources can be a problem for patients that do not have access to smart phones or computers at home. Aside from these challenges, many other challenges can pose a risk for positive patient care outcomes. Overall, we identified five major areas of technical challenges in implementing mHealth: (I) usability; (II) system integration; (III) data security and privacy; (IV) network access, and (V) reliability (Gurupur et al., 2017).
Using the KP mobile application and frequent use of telehealth services can be beneficial to the patient and health care providers. Providers can communicate via messages, video visits and telephone appointments. A limited number of appointment slots are available for in-person visits, but providers can care for more patients with telehealth visits. This is promising to the field of healthcare as access to health care is an overwhelming task these days. Patients’ outcomes are improved by access to care, medical advice on demand and access to health information and treatment plans.
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.
I agree that telehealth has expanded tremendously since the COVID-19 pandemic. This technological advancement “was once limited only to rural or remote communities but is now increasingly used to expand the geographic reach of health care services and improve access to care” (Garjarawala & Pelkowski, 2020, para. 22). With the increasing challenges to meet patients’ needs from their homes, health informatics has adjusted rapidly to combat these issues. This healthcare technology trend contains challenges as you mentioned in your post. Another challenge that I think should be noted is that older generations have difficulty managing healthcare-related technology in a purposeful way.
Kim and Yang states, “Our study shows that older adults with more functional limitations were less likely to have access to computers and use the Internet less than their counterparts with fewer or no functional limitations” (2022, para. 33). To which the authors go on to offer a solution involving “addressing digital exclusion within the older adult population and suggest that ensuring social support is imperative to digital participation among older adults with functional limitations” (Kim & Yang, 2022, para. 33). Incorporating training in-office before these patients begin utilizing this useful technology could potentially benefit the patient long-term. Although we as healthcare members are well-versed in technology, it does not mean that all our patients are as well. Ensuring that these patient populations are supported can help improve patient-centered care for all.
*Note: Throughout this program, your fellow students are referred to as colleagues.
Submission and Grading Information
Healthcare Information Technology Trend
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
Rubric Detail
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Name: NURS_5051_Module04_Week06_Discussion_Rubric
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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
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