NURS 6051 Healthcare Information Technology Trends
Walden University NURS 6051 Healthcare Information Technology Trends-Step-By-Step Guide
This guide will demonstrate how to complete the Walden University NURS 6051 Healthcare Information Technology Trends assignment based on general principles of academic writing. Here, we will show you the A, B, Cs of completing an academic paper, irrespective of the instructions. After guiding you through what to do, the guide will leave one or two sample essays at the end to highlight the various sections discussed below.
How to Research and Prepare for NURS 6051 Healthcare Information Technology Trends
Whether one passes or fails an academic assignment such as the Walden University NURS 6051 Healthcare Information Technology Trends depends on the preparation done beforehand. The first thing to do once you receive an assignment is to quickly skim through the requirements. Once that is done, start going through the instructions one by one to clearly understand what the instructor wants. The most important thing here is to understand the required format—whether it is APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.
After understanding the requirements of the paper, the next phase is to gather relevant materials. The first place to start the research process is the weekly resources. Go through the resources provided in the instructions to determine which ones fit the assignment. After reviewing the provided resources, use the university library to search for additional resources. After gathering sufficient and necessary resources, you are now ready to start drafting your paper.
How to Write the Introduction for NURS 6051 Healthcare Information Technology Trends
The introduction for the Walden University NURS 6051 Healthcare Information Technology Trends is where you tell the instructor what your paper will encompass. In three to four statements, highlight the important points that will form the basis of your paper. Here, you can include statistics to show the importance of the topic you will be discussing. At the end of the introduction, write a clear purpose statement outlining what exactly will be contained in the paper. This statement will start with “The purpose of this paper…” and then proceed to outline the various sections of the instructions.
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How to Write the Body for NURS 6051 Healthcare Information Technology Trends
After the introduction, move into the main part of the NURS 6051 Healthcare Information Technology Trends assignment, which is the body. Given that the paper you will be writing is not experimental, the way you organize the headings and subheadings of your paper is critically important. In some cases, you might have to use more subheadings to properly organize the assignment. The organization will depend on the rubric provided. Carefully examine the rubric, as it will contain all the detailed requirements of the assignment. Sometimes, the rubric will have information that the normal instructions lack.
Another important factor to consider at this point is how to do citations. In-text citations are fundamental as they support the arguments and points you make in the paper. At this point, the resources gathered at the beginning will come in handy. Integrating the ideas of the authors with your own will ensure that you produce a comprehensive paper. Also, follow the given citation format. In most cases, APA 7 is the preferred format for nursing assignments.
How to Write the Conclusion for NURS 6051 Healthcare Information Technology Trends
After completing the main sections, write the conclusion of your paper. The conclusion is a summary of the main points you made in your paper. However, you need to rewrite the points and not simply copy and paste them. By restating the points from each subheading, you will provide a nuanced overview of the assignment to the reader.
How to Format the References List for NURS 6051 Healthcare Information Technology Trends
The very last part of your paper involves listing the sources used in your paper. These sources should be listed in alphabetical order and double-spaced. Additionally, use a hanging indent for each source that appears in this list. Lastly, only the sources cited within the body of the paper should appear here.
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NURS 6051 Healthcare Information Technology Trends
HEALTHCARE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TRENDS NURS 6051
There is absolutely no disagreement that technology has had an array of advancements over the past years. Within the past decade there has been advancement throughout electronic health records, telemedicine/telehealth, self-service kiosks, wearable technology, and health tracking devices (Becker’s Healthcare, 2015).
The biggest change and trend that I most recently experienced is the constant use of telehealth/e-visits, Skype, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth is the use of technology to deliver health care, health information, or health education at a distance (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2018). A few ways telehealth is used in the clinical setting are sharing images amongst disciplines for assessment and diagnosis, transmit data, provide disease prevention information and promote good health while using real time video and phone services (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2018).
The use of all of these new trends have definitely become the “new normal”. Meetings are now virtual to permit social distancing and many visits and consultations are through the telephone. A challenge of the virtual meetings could be employee engagement and employees actually paying attention to all being said throughout the meetings. As for telehealth services and e-visits, I worry of the challenge that patients can be wrongly diagnosed and improperly assessed during their verbal only visits.
As professionals we rely on our assessment skills to care for patients. Although our care has a great amount to do with what the patients tell us, we also use our skills of visually examining and touching patients to make the most accurate diagnosis and provide the best care for symptoms. Patient bills are also the same as an in-person visit, for a phone call that is sometimes only five minutes.
The biggest benefit of this virtual trend is safety amongst health care professionals and patients. Also, it could benefit providers to limit non-emergent in person visits to avoid possible exposures. As far as possible risks, patient information can possibly be compromised, and higher security must be used so information remains protected. Since private in-person rooms are not available it is still recommended by the Department of Health and Human Services to use private locations and patient should not receive services in public or semi-public settings (Jacobson, 2020). Throughout the pandemic there were also many cases of hacking into Zoom and Skype meetings. Providers must do all they can to avoid these data breeches to protect patient information.
Telehealth and e-visits do show advancements for nursing practice as it opens more career opportunity. “Telehealth eases the impact of the nursing shortage because it provides easier access to professionals for patients” (Teladoc Health, n.d. para # 5.) According to the American Telemedicine Association, within five years, 50% of healthcare services might be provided by telehealth services (Teladoc Health, n.d.). Along with career advancements, this will allow nurses to increase their assessment skills and critical thinking with the need of accurately finding treatment for patients. With time and growth in this particular area, I think there will be growth in this area and providers will accurately provide care for patients. With continued time, I also think there will be improvements to data management and protecting patient information.
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References
Becker’s Healthcare. (2015). 10 biggest technological advancements for healthcare in the last decade. https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/healthcare-information-technology/10-biggest-technological-advancements-for-healthcare-in-the-last-decade.html
Jacabson, A. (2020). The benefits and risks of telehealth services. Risk Management Magazine. http://www.rmmagazine.com/
McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2017). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Teladoc Health. (n.d.). How telehealth can ease the nationwide nursing shortage. https://intouchhealth.com/nationwide-nursing-shortage-eased-with-telehealth-services/#:~:text=Telehealth%20eases%20the%20impact%20of,so%20efficiency%20is%20markedly%20improved.
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This is insightful Solange. Technology has led to the quality improvement in the healthcare system. Today, most healthcare institution use technology to facilitate surgical processes, maintenance of patient’s data and enhance general patient admission processes. Technology has had an array of advancement in the last few decades (Khezr, Moniruzzaman, Yassine, & Benlamri, 2019). In other words, in the last decade, healthcare institutions have been able to incorporate electronic health records into the operational processes; this has led to the effective management of data and the security of the patient’s information.
The development of telemedicine has facilitated access to the healthcare systems for the individuals living in both rural and urban settings. Also, the application of telemedicine in the delivery of healthcare services has given rise to the self-services kiosks, development if the healthcare tracking devices and the artificial intelligence to promote the delivery of quality care. The application of technology in the healthcare processes has led to the increased safety and the speed in the healthcare delivery processes (Morilla et al., 2017). In other words, the technology has eliminated human errors that often lead to complexity in the healthcare delivery processes. Today, most organizations are involved in the use of technology to increase productivity and enhance accuracy in the operational processes.
Virtual trend is another technological innovation that is currently being incorporated in the healthcare processes. The biggest benefit of this virtual trend is safety amongst health care professionals and patients. The technology also continues to benefit healthcare providers as it leads to the reduction in the healthcare acquired infections. As far as possible risks, patient information can possibly be compromised, and higher security must be used so information remains protected. Healthcare organizations should therefore incorporate different technological products to facilitate healthcare delivery processes.
References
Khezr, S., Moniruzzaman, M., Yassine, A., & Benlamri, R. (2019). Blockchain technology in healthcare: A comprehensive review and directions for future research. Applied sciences, 9(9), 1736. Retrieved from: 10.3390/app9091736
Morilla, M. D. R., Sans, M., Casasa, A., & Giménez, N. (2017). Implementing technology in healthcare: insights from physicians. BMC medical informatics and decision making, 17(1), 92. Retrieved from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12911-017-0489-2
RE: Discussion – Week 6
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Advancement in technology has simplified the way we do things; it saves time, increases production, and simplifies communication in our lives. As society’s demands and lifestyle change, the need for advancing technology we use is high. Almost everything we use has been innovated to better standards. Health care has harnessed this opportunity to improve the quality of care with the use of medical technological tools. Current trends are enabling self-patients of health conditions with the use of wearable fitness tracking devices, telemedicine to connect patients and health care providers from a long distance, cloud storage for ease of access on mobile devices, and smart equipment within the hospital.
Here at the facility where I am employed, the most advanced technology we offer our patients would have to be telehealth. Telehealth is defined as “the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health and health administration.” by The Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) (HealthIT.gov, 2017). Telehealth uses information and communication technologies to enables the diagnosis, consultation, treatment, education, care management, and self-management of a patient’s health care while the patient is at the originating site and the health care provider is at a distant location. The technology simplifies patient self-management and caregiver support through the use of a laptop or smartphone app, rising the productivity of patient care. In my facility, we use the Epic system for charting and communication, and a feature we bargain is the use of a health portal called ‘MyChart’ where labs, medications, personalized care plan, educational information, and interact with their physicians can be reviewed. Another feature that serves 24/7 access line where nurses have the ability to distantly watch cardiac monitors while the patient at home and alert the patient and physicians advice on certain things such as medication, abnormal lab callbacks, or when to seek treatment, and connect them with an on-call physician over the phone or app. Nurses and healthcare workers are up to date on these up-to-date technologies use at their facility to reply any questions and clarify to their patients.
Telehealth’s influence on nursing focuses on patients’ care either long-term wellness care , self-management, and on their current health condition. Nurses have the capacity to deliver necessary information to patients during a time of need, especially in rural areas. I believe that the impact on nursing practice is positive through assessment, planning, interventions, and evaluations of the outcomes in patient care on a level outside of the hospital. Telehealth aids to incorporate better access to healthcare, cost reduction, and preventing unnecessary visits to urgent care or to the ER. A possible risk connected with telehealth is about having possibility of violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) in data safety and legislation. Health information is not always secure when stored on patients’ mobile devices, iPad or even on their laptop and the patient’s health record or login information could be hacked or stolen. Therefore, HIPAA training for nurses precisely towards telehealth practices is essential to keep patient’s health information safe and secure. Acceptable security and privacy protections for underlying telehealth data and systems must be provided for providers and patients to provide confidence in the use of telehealth solutions (Hall & McGraw, 2014).
In my opinion, The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) trend that includes ECG monitors, mobile apps, fitness
trackers, and smart sensors can measure biological metric data; such as blood pressure, pulse, heart rate, glucose
level, and more and set reminders for patients is the most promising in healthcare’s future (Iqbail, 2019). With the
use of affordable health monitoring devices, patients can achieve their health better . IoMT can precisely capture and
manage data in real-time and use that data analytically to identify these trends. It develops patient results by
improving the patient’s knowledge of their own health information and can be studied by health professionals. IoMT
can help physicians manage patient’s data quickly by identifying more-accurate diagnosis increasing a more-
efficient delivery of care that is cost effective.
References
HealthIT.gov. (2017, September 22 ). What is telehealth? How is telehealth different from telemedicine?. Retrieved from https://www.healthit.gov/faq/what-telehealth-how-telehealth-different-telemedicine
Hall, J., & McGraw, D. (2014). For telehealth to succeed, privacy and security risks must be identified and addressed. Health Affairs, 33(2). https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2013.0997
Iqbail, S. (2019, February 13). IoMT and big data: How the internet of medical things impacts clinical trials. Clinical Trials Innovation. Retrieved from https://knect365.com/clinical-trials-innovation/article/5024ec64-030e-4ba6-bc2b-c701a28b2b95/big-data-and-iomt-the-impact-of-the-internet-of-medical-things-on-clinical-trials
A general healthcare technology trend related to information that I have observed in my nursing practice is the increasing use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs allow multiple healthcare providers to access and update a patient’s information digitally, as opposed to relying on locating or faxing over paper records (HealthIT.gov, 2018). When I worked in an outpatient office that did not use an EHR, I saw how this slowed down patient care. We wanted to avoid repeating tests a patient had already gotten and wanted to fully understand the patient’s history, but it could mean hours of waiting for the patient’s record to be faxed over from the other office.
Sometimes we would finally get a record, but a crucial page would be missing, or an important page would have handwriting from the provider that was barely legible, which further delayed patient care and could have caused patient harm. This shows how a benefit of EHRs is the improvement in patient care outcomes by giving providers complete and up-to-date information about their patients immediately. This allows more accurate diagnosis, quicker treatment, and the ability to communicate with other healthcare providers in the team.
EHRs help avoid many of the problems of paper records, but also come with their own set of risks. For example, security and confidentiality of patient information that is now visible by possibly hundreds of healthcare providers is a concern, as well as the risk of data loss or system outages. My current hospital uses an EHR, and the system shut down during shift change one Sunday morning. This caused a lot of confusion and risk for patient harm, as we could not access the patient’s information needed to give report to the oncoming nurse, hand off critical medications, give medication, and more. There is also a risk of data breaches with EHRs, which could lead to patient information being disclosed without their consent to unauthorized parties. This risk can be mitigated by having strong security measures, such as two-factor authentication that my hospital uses, and regularly training staff on how to protect patient data (Abouelmehdi et al., 2018).
A healthcare technology trend that I believe is promising for impacting healthcare technology in nursing practice is telehealth. I believe it will help patient care outcomes and efficiencies. Telehealth allows healthcare providers to deliver care remotely, using video conferencing and other digital tools (Skiba, 2017). This is especially useful in areas that do not have nearby access to healthcare providers, such as rural or underserved areas. For patients that have chronic conditions or who cannot easily travel to a healthcare facility, telehealth is also valuable. During the beginning of the covid pandemic when social distancing was paramount for everyone’s safety, I met with my healthcare provider through telehealth.
A potential risk of telehealth is thinking that it is suitable for all types of care, as a physical exam is a key to diagnosing and treating most conditions; a provider may not be able to safely diagnose a condition with only a history and your description of your symptoms. Another risk is the quality of the technology being used, as a zoom meeting with choppy audio or internet outages will not allow you to have a productive telehealth visit. There is also a risk of a lack of confidentiality of patient data. However, overall, both EHRs and telehealth can improve patient care outcomes, efficiencies, and data management for nursing practice, as long as we consider the risks associated with these technologies and take steps to mitigate them.
References:
HealthIT.gov. (2018c). What is an electronic health record (EHR)? Retrieved from
https://www.healthit.gov/faq/what-electronic-health-record-ehrLinks to an external site.
Abouelmehdi, K., Beni-Hessane, A. & Khaloufi, H. (2018) Big healthcare data: preserving security and privacy. J Big Data 5, 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40537-017-0110-7Links to an external site.
Skiba, D. (2017). Evaluation tools to appraise social media and mobile applications Links to an external site.. Informatics, 4(3), 32–40.
Indeed most healthcare organizations are shifting from paperwork to electronic health records and electronic medical records. Electronic medical records to document medication dosages, administration, and other treatments help nurses avoid medical errors and confusion during practice. The electronic systems keep the patient information safe and confidential. Patient safety is also increased due to minimal errors during treatment and care management. I am sure there are organizations using cradle for recording patient information and this has improved nursing care and reduced medical errors because there is no misleading information about drug administration and care planning (Agbo et al., 2019).
Communication has also been enhanced by applying new technology. Clinicians are not being trained fast enough to keep pace with the rate of service demand. In addition, given the rising cost of care, new models for reimbursing hospitals and other providers have begun to emphasize quality and efficiency rather than units of delivered services.
Reference
Agbo, C. C., Mahmoud, Q. H., & Eklund, J. M. (2019). Blockchain technology in healthcare: a systematic review. In Healthcare (Vol. 7, No. 2, p. 56). Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute.
I agree with you that the use of electronic health records (EHRs) is critical in the current healthcare dispensation as it offers various benefits to patients and providers. EHRs allow seamless flow of patient health information from one provider to another and ensures correct and accurate data for effective decision-making and development of care plans. As you note, the use of EHRs solves a host of issues like delays in information sending from one facility and provider to another and minimizes paper work that is prone to human errors and mistakes (Lee & Yoon, 2021). EHRs offer complete and up-to-date patient health information for effective actions and decisions to improve care and this enables better diagnosis and fast treatment as well as enhanced communication (Rutledge & Gustin, 2021).
However, as you note, all technologies have their disadvantages that require effective actions and measures. For instance, data security, confidentiality and privacy are not just legal but also ethical aspects that impact the use of EHRs in healthcare systems. Furthermore, data breaches are always a concern and this implores organizations to have safety and security measures to mitigate such occurrences (Mayer et al., 2019). The implication is that organizations should have robust security protocols on access to such data and information.
Again, the use of telehealth as a promising technology cannot be overemphasized because of the benefits that it provides. Other technologies like artificial intelligence, mobile apps and texting as well as machine learning also promise to enhance care delivery and improve access to healthcare services for patients and health promotion for different populations. Artificial intelligence allows for fast diagnosis and ensures that providers make better decisions while mobile apps enhance telehealth and telemedicine to improve overall access and quality of care offered (Mishra et al., 2022). While these technologies offer certain benefits, they also have certain risks that providers should mitigate.
References
Lee, D., & Yoon, S. N. (2021). Application of artificial intelligence-based technologies in the
healthcare industry: Opportunities and challenges. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(1), 271. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18010271
Mayer, M. A., Blanco, O. R., & Torrejon, A. (2019). Use of health apps by nurses for
professional purposes: Web-based survey study. Journal of Medical Internet Research mHealth and uHealth, 7(11), e15195. https://doi.org/10.2196/15195
Mishra, S., Dhuna, N., Lancki, N., Yeh, C., & Larson, D. N. (2022). Telehealth utilization and
patient satisfaction in an ambulatory movement disorders center during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 1357633X221146819. https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X221146819
Rutledge, C. M., & Gustin, T. (2021). Preparing nurses for roles in telehealth: Now is the time.
The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 26(1). DOI: 10.3912/OJIN.Vol26No01Man03
More often than not, healthcare facilities utilize an electronic health record (EMR) system. An EHR, as defined by Healthit.gov, is “s a digital version of a patient’s paper chart. EHRs are real-time, patient-centered records that make information available instantly and securely to authorized users. While an EHR does contain patients’ medical and treatment histories, an EHR system is built to go beyond standard clinical data collected in a provider’s office and can include a broader view of a patient’s care. EHRs are a vital part of health IT” (Healthit, 2023)
My organization utilizes EPIC, an EHR used in various facilities and healthcare systems. The EPIC site describes the system as “a glorious recounting of a nation’s events. Like the Iliad or the Odyssey, our electronic health records chronicle the story of a patient’s healthcare over time” (EPIC, 2023). The system is a significant data entity that organizes most of the patient’s health care information.
Even though it is a trend to utilize the EPIC system in many different facilities allowing different organizations to see care administered across different hospitals and healthcare organizations, maintaining patient privacy, and ensuring the HIPPA act’s regulation is consistent is a massive challenge. I have noticed that when patients check in, they immediately provide them with HIPPA act information that they read and sign electronically before even going to the waiting room. The consent form is immediately uploaded into the patient’s chart. It acknowledges that the patient knows their health information can be shared across different health systems in my local area. I wish that every patient reads what they sign. However, they quickly discover that when the provider comes in and tells the patient, “I saw you were at several facilities for pain control over the past two days,”; the patients get a shocked look on their face, especially if they are seeking narcotics. I like to explain to the patient after the provider leaves, and they ask how they know. I inform them that when they come in, they sign a consent form stating, “HIPAA requires most doctors, nurses, hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care providers to protect the privacy of your health information. However, if you do not object, a health care provider or health plan may share relevant information with family members or friends involved in your health care or payment for your health care in certain circumstances” (Health and Human Services (HHS), 2023).
The most promising health informatic trend is using mobile devices in particular units that allow healthcare providers and patients to function more and not be glued to a desktop computer. The patient can see their health care results in real-time by signing up with a mobile phone application. In an article provided by the University of Colorado, 59% of patients utilize a mobile device to seek medical information, and 46% of providers can manage a patient condition and compliance (Skiba, 2017, p. 2)
I think healthcare facilities with mobile applications will streamline the process of healthcare. Patients can message providers right from their phones, and the providers can respond immediately via provider notification. Moreover, many mobile devices integrate wearable technology that collects health data from heart rate and irregularities to sleep patterns and even the number of daily steps. All that information can be connected to the application. Providers and patients can track their health practices, improve their involvement in their health care plan, and keep all involved in the health process cognizant of improving and maintaining positive care.
Thank you Anupa for your discussion response and I agree with you that the use of electronic health records (EHRs) is critical in the current healthcare dispensation as it offers various benefits to patients and providers. EHRs allow seamless flow of patient health information from one provider to another and ensures correct and accurate data for effective decision-making and development of care plans. As you note, the use of EHRs solves a host of issues like delays in information sending from one facility and provider to another and minimizes paper work that is prone to human errors and mistakes (Lee & Yoon, 2021). EHRs offer complete and up-to-date patient health information for effective actions and decisions to improve care and this enables better diagnosis and fast treatment as well as enhanced communication (Rutledge & Gustin, 2021).
However, as you note, all technologies have their disadvantages that require effective actions and measures. For instance, data security, confidentiality and privacy are not just legal but also ethical aspects that impact the use of EHRs in healthcare systems. Furthermore, data breaches are always a concern and this implores organizations to have safety and security measures to mitigate such occurrences (Mayer et al., 2019). The implication is that organizations should have robust security protocols on access to such data and information.
Again, the use of telehealth as a promising technology cannot be overemphasized because of the benefits that it provides. Other technologies like artificial intelligence, mobile apps and texting as well as machine learning also promise to enhance care delivery and improve access to healthcare services for patients and health promotion for different populations. Artificial intelligence allows for fast diagnosis and ensures that providers make better decisions while mobile apps enhance telehealth and telemedicine to improve overall access and quality of care offered (Mishra et al., 2022). While these technologies offer certain benefits, they also have certain risks that providers should mitigate.
References
Lee, D., & Yoon, S. N. (2021). Application of artificial intelligence-based technologies in the
healthcare industry: Opportunities and challenges. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(1), 271. https://doi.org/10.3390/
Mayer, M. A., Blanco, O. R., & Torrejon, A. (2019). Use of health apps by nurses for
professional purposes: Web-based survey study. Journal of Medical Internet Research mHealth and uHealth, 7(11), e15195. https://doi.org/10.2196/15195
Mishra, S., Dhuna, N., Lancki, N., Yeh, C., & Larson, D. N. (2022). Telehealth utilization and
patient satisfaction in an ambulatory movement disorders center during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 1357633X221146819. https://doi.org/10.1177/
Rutledge, C. M., & Gustin, T. (2021). Preparing nurses for roles in telehealth: Now is the time.
The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 26(1). DOI: 10.3912/OJIN.Vol26No01Man03
The healthcare system is continuously improving, transforming, and progressing to modernization (Thimbleby, 2013). In the past years, many healthcare trends have come up to satisfy the need for immediate care for patients with COVID. I work in a chronic dialysis setting. We dialyze twelve patients every shift and three shifts a day. All twelve patients are in a big room. One technology trend I noticed was the use of telehealth/telemedicine. During the pandemic, doctor visits to the facility are limited to prevent the spread of COVID to dialysis patients who are already at risk. The company’s Information technologists (IT) and nurse Informaticists have come up with new ways for doctors to see patients and discuss care plans, and that is by creating an application within the system that records a doctor’s visit through telehealth. Through telehealth, providers can gather patient information and data regarding their current health status. As the pandemic subsided, telehealth did not. The company is still using telehealth, and it has pros and cons.
One challenge of telehealth is that providers still need to assess patients fully. They can gather data by asking questions that will give them subjective data, but most objective data still need to be met. They cannot see how much edema the patient has because they cannot check their skin/body.
Telehealth also poses data safety risks (Jin et al., 2020). When providers talk to patients and ask questions, other patients can hear the conversation. Some patients compare situations and ask their providers or nurses why the other patient is getting the medication and the other patient is not.
On the other hand, telehealth has benefits for the patient. They can ask nurses to set an appointment to call their provider if they have immediate questions, and they can call the doctor immediately and set up a telehealth consult. Patients save time for transportation, and their immediate concern is addressed.
A healthcare technology trend that is the most promising is wearable technologies that can monitor vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, blood gas, and oxygen saturation (Iqbal et al., 2021). For mostly asymptomatic patients, the data they see on these gadgets can save their lives. Patient health outcomes will improve with the use of wearable technologies. A simple life vest can prevent an abnormal heart rhythm and eventually prevent cardiac arrest.
The healthcare revolution is bringing healthcare staff to a new level of care and management. There might be some loopholes, but it will keep improving with the help of skilled and knowledgeable ITs and Informaticists (Piscotty et al., 2015).
The way healthcare is delivered has altered as a result of the internet and technological innovation. Telehealth is a trend in healthcare technology that began to take off in March 2020 as a result of COVID-19 (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2022). Telehealth, as defined by Mayo Clinic, is the use of digital information and communication technology to receive healthcare services remotely and control your health care (Mayo clinic, 2022). Any conceivable variations of healthcare services utilizing telecommunications are together referred to as “telehealth” (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2022). Several telehealth technologies are being used, including mHealth (mobile health), video and audio technologies, remote patient monitoring (RPM), and store and forward technologies (The New England Journal of Medicine, 2018).
Mobile health (mHealth) is the management of one’s health using mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and personal digital assistants (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2022). Applications on these devices enable users to keep tabs on their health metrics, schedule prescriptions, and appointment reminders, and communicate with medical professionals (The New England Journal of Medicine, 2018). Users have access to hundreds of mHealth applications, such as aids for managing diabetes and asthma as well as apps for quitting smoking or losing weight (The New England Journal of Medicine, 2018). Patients with mobile devices can also set up appointments and contact healthcare professionals via video conference and text message (The New England Journal of Medicine, 2018).
Video and audio technologies or Real-Time telehealth provides an interactive session that links the patient and the clinician live (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2022). For some years, medical treatment has been given to prisoners, service members, and patients in remote areas via video conferencing technology (The New England Journal of Medicine, 2018). In order to promote an interactive exam, McGonigle & Mastrian (2022) add that peripheral devices can be connected to computers or to the videoconferencing equipment.
Remote patient monitoring (RPM) involves the use of devices such as wearables, mobile devices, smartphone apps, and internet-connected devices to capture and transmit biometric data (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2022). Remote Patient Monitoring involves the reporting, collection, transmission, and evaluation of patient health data through the use of these electronic devices (The New England Journal of Medicine, 2018). For instance, Patients are reminded to weigh themselves via RPM technologies, which then send the results to their doctors. The collection and transmission of vital sign data, such as blood pressure, heart data, oxygen levels, and respiration rates, is being done using wearables and other electronic monitoring devices (The New England Journal of Medicine, 2018).
Store and forward telehealth involves capturing digital images, videos, audio, and clinical data and storing them on the client’s computer or device. The data is securely forwarded at a convenient time to a specialist or clinician at another location where they are examined by the appropriate specialist or clinician. If indicated, the opinion of the specialist or clinician is then relayed back (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2022). To assess patients and aid in their treatment, CAT scans, MRIs, X-rays, pictures, videos, and text-based patient data are gathered and delivered to specialists and other members of a care team devices (The New England Journal of Medicine, 2018). One common application of telehealth nursing practice is the transmission of wound photos for evaluation by specialty care nurses or other specialists (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2022).
Telehealth is expected to grow largely due to nursing and healthcare worker shortages and an increase in the number of people with chronic diseases and conditions (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2022).
Potential challenges or risks that may be inherent in the technologies associated with these trends you described.
One of the potential challenges inherent in the technologies associated with telehealth is a poor internet connection. Telehealth depends on a robust internet connection for well meaningful interaction to happen (Ftouni, et al., 2022). Lack of internet or poor internet connectivity may impede communication and interaction through telehealth (Ftouni, et al., 2022). There is also the risk of device issues such as devices offering poor audiovisual quality, which might delay care provision (Ftouni, et al., 2022).
Another challenge is presented by the technologies used in remote patient monitoring. The wearables used to capture and transmit biometric data are subject to artifacts and measurement inaccuracies (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2022). These measurement errors and artifacts may present the risk of misdiagnosis or incorrect medical decisions.
Potential benefit and one potential risk associated with data safety, legislation, and patient care for the technologies you described.
Due to the comfort and convenience, it provides, telehealth has benefited a lot of patients. These benefits are brought about by the ability to capture and share data. Many telehealth choices and the flexibility to see a healthcare practitioner from the convenience of their home are easier to fit into a hectic schedule. Better healthcare access is the main advantage of employing telehealth, according to McGonigle and Mastrian (2022). Also, nurses using telehealth have considerably better access to the conditions and needs of their patients and are able to respond more quickly than is feasible with face-to-face visits (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2022).
Data confidentiality and privacy are two potential concerns related to data safety (Ftouni, et al., 2022). Patients were afraid of telehealth encounters because they were worried about their privacy and confidentiality (Ftouni, et al., 2022). These worries represent a significant barrier because it is essential to use technology in healthcare delivery without violating patient data (Ftouni, et al., 2022). Smartphone applications that track medical history and other personal health metrics have been found to exchange information with third parties, according to a study cited by Ftouni, et al., (2022). (Ftouni, et al., 2022).
A piece of law that has helped telehealth platforms is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) (Gajarawala, & Pelkowski, 2021). In line with HIPAA, the majority of telehealth platforms use strong encryption (Gajarawala, & Pelkowski, 2021). This ensures that patient health information is protected. Medical information is protected by additional laws including the Children’s Internet Privacy Protection Act and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (Gajarawala, & Pelkowski, 2021). These laws apply to both in-person and telehealth contacts (Gajarawala, & Pelkowski, 2021). Therefore, a legislative benefit of telehealth is that both providers and patients should trust that the transmission of information during telehealth encounters remains private and secure.
Even though there are legislations like HIPAA in place to protect patient information, there is always the risk of compromise of confidentiality. Finally, out of my own observation, the telehealth industry seems to be a little overly legislated. Many providers might find it cumbersome to meet and adhere to all the requirements needed to provide care. An article by the journal for nurse practitioners highlights that there are numerous legal and regulatory obstacles to telehealth, including wide variances in the laws, norms, and ethical standards (Gajarawala, & Pelkowski, 2021). This variation adds to the uncertainty for healthcare professionals that practice telemedicine (Gajarawala, & Pelkowski, 2021).
One advantage of telehealth patient care is that it gives people who don’t have access to a nearby hospital or doctor access to healthcare. Patients in remote places or those with a shortage of providers can obtain resources and care through telehealth (Gajarawala, & Pelkowski, 2021). Another potential benefit of telehealth is that it has encouraged patient engagement (The New England Journal of Medicine, 2018). The use of telehealth technologies has allowed people to have more influence over their health (The New England Journal of Medicine, 2018). Patients are empowered to manage chronic diseases, lose weight, boost physical activity levels, and find emotional support through the use of educational films, health management apps for mobile devices, and online health learning and support forums (The New England Journal of Medicine, 2018).
One potential risk associated with telehealth patient care is that there are limitations to performing comprehensive physical examinations (Gajarawala, & Pelkowski, 2021) and there’s a risk of the provider missing something. Or alternatively, the physician’s inability to perform a comprehensive physical assessment in-person which can affect diagnosis. There’s a risk of misdiagnosis. A physical exam is essential to proper care, ensuring appropriate diagnosis, management of the condition, and better outcomes.
Healthcare technology trends 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.
There are so many wonderful healthcare technology trends that are promising. Artificial Intelligence has had a huge impact on healthcare, telehealth has been wonderful since COVID-19 struck, and Internet of Things (IoT) and wearables have also gained popularity in the healthcare industry. However, the most promising healthcare technology trends must be telehealth in combination with IoT and wearables. Remote patient monitoring is the most common application of IoT devices for healthcare. The combination of these two technological trends will lead to improvements in patient care outcomes, and efficiencies. Nurses can be more alert to patients’ current needs and address these needs in a timely manner. For instance, early detection of a change in condition in patients’ chronic conditions such as CHF, COPD, and diabetes. Early intervention, such as adjustments to medication, lifestyle, or treatment, is made possible by the capacity to spot any change in a timely manner. A trip to the ER and eventual hospitalization might be avoided with the help of these actions. Wearables are used to track patients’ vital signs or lifestyles. The majority of the patients who wear these wearables have chronic conditions and share these data with their doctor. This data can be analyzed by the doctor and can help guide the physician to intervene early to manage symptoms if need be. Providing a more precise picture of how the patient’s state evolves can save time during any in-person appointments, such healthcare IoT data can increase efficiency. Also, some issues could be handled remotely by the providers. A doctor may adjust the dosage without requiring the patient to visit the office if the data indicates that a drug adjustment results in an elevated heart rate. These early interventions lead to improved patient outcomes.
The extremely private data that these IoT devices acquire must be kept secure and confidential, which is one difficulty with remote patient monitoring equipment and telehealth in general. The advancement of healthcare technology will likely continue, and I hope data security improves. Because of cutting-edge and developing technologies, the quality and effectiveness of care will keep improving.
Sample Answer for NURS 6051 Healthcare Information Technology Trends
SOLANGE
RE: Discussion – Week 6
There is absolutely no disagreement that technology has had an array of advancements over the past years. Within the past decade there has been advancement throughout electronic health records, telemedicine/telehealth, self-service kiosks, wearable technology, and health tracking devices (Becker’s Healthcare, 2015).
The biggest change and trend that I most recently experienced is the constant use of telehealth/e-visits, Skype, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth is the use of technology to deliver health care, health information, or health education at a distance (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2018). A few ways telehealth is used in the clinical setting are sharing images amongst disciplines for assessment and diagnosis, transmit data, provide disease prevention information and promote good health while using real time video and phone services (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2018).
The use of all of these new trends have definitely become the “new normal”. Meetings are now virtual to permit social distancing and many visits and consultations are through the telephone. A challenge of the virtual meetings could be employee engagement and employees actually paying attention to all being said throughout the meetings. As for telehealth services and e-visits, I worry of the challenge that patients can be wrongly diagnosed and improperly assessed during their verbal only visits. As professionals we rely on our assessment skills to care for patients. Although our care has a great amount to do with what the patients tell us, we also use our skills of visually examining and touching patients to make the most accurate diagnosis and provide the best care for symptoms. Patient bills are also the same as an in-person visit, for a phone call that is sometimes only five minutes.
The biggest benefit of this virtual trend is safety amongst health care professionals and patients. Also, it could benefit providers to limit non-emergent in person visits to avoid possible exposures. As far as possible risks, patient information can possibly be compromised, and higher security must be used so information remains protected. Since private in-person rooms are not available it is still recommended by the Department of Health and Human Services to use private locations and patient should not receive services in public or semi-public settings (Jacobson, 2020). Throughout the pandemic there were also many cases of hacking into Zoom and Skype meetings. Providers must do all they can to avoid these data breeches to protect patient information.
Telehealth and e-visits do show advancements for nursing practice as it opens more career opportunity. “Telehealth eases the impact of the nursing shortage because it provides easier access to professionals for patients” (Teladoc Health, n.d. para # 5.) According to the American Telemedicine Association, within five years, 50% of healthcare services might be provided by telehealth services (Teladoc Health, n.d.). Along with career advancements, this will allow nurses to increase their assessment skills and critical thinking with the need of accurately finding treatment for patients. With time and growth in this particular area, I think there will be growth in this area and providers will accurately provide care for patients. With continued time, I also think there will be improvements to data management and protecting patient information.
References
Becker’s Healthcare. (2015). 10 biggest technological advancements for healthcare in the last decade. https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/healthcare-information-technology/10-biggest-technological-advancements-for-healthcare-in-the-last-decade.html
Jacabson, A. (2020). The benefits and risks of telehealth services. Risk Management Magazine. http://www.rmmagazine.com/
McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2017). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Teladoc Health. (n.d.). How telehealth can ease the nationwide nursing shortage. https://intouchhealth.com/nationwide-nursing-shortage-eased-with-telehealth-services/#:~:text=Telehealth%20eases%20the%20impact%20of,so%20efficiency%20is%20markedly%20improved.
Sample Response for NURS 6051 Healthcare Information Technology Trends
This is insightful Solange. Technology has led to the quality improvement in the healthcare system. Today, most healthcare institution use technology to facilitate surgical processes, maintenance of patient’s data and enhance general patient admission processes. Technology has had an array of advancement in the last few decades (Khezr, Moniruzzaman, Yassine, & Benlamri, 2019). In other words, in the last decade, healthcare institutions have been able to incorporate electronic health records into the operational processes; this has led to the effective management of data and the security of the patient’s information. The development of telemedicine has facilitated access to the healthcare systems for the individuals living in both rural and urban settings. Also, the application of telemedicine in the delivery of healthcare services has given rise to the self-services kiosks, development if the healthcare tracking devices and the artificial intelligence to promote the delivery of quality care. The application of technology in the healthcare processes has led to the increased safety and the speed in the healthcare delivery processes (Morilla et al., 2017). In other words, the technology has eliminated human errors that often lead to complexity in the healthcare delivery processes. Today, most organizations are involved in the use of technology to increase productivity and enhance accuracy in the operational processes.
Virtual trend is another technological innovation that is currently being incorporated in the healthcare processes. The biggest benefit of this virtual trend is safety amongst health care professionals and patients. The technology also continues to benefit healthcare providers as it leads to the reduction in the healthcare acquired infections. As far as possible risks, patient information can possibly be compromised, and higher security must be used so information remains protected. Healthcare organizations should therefore incorporate different technological products to facilitate healthcare delivery processes.
References
Khezr, S., Moniruzzaman, M., Yassine, A., & Benlamri, R. (2019). Blockchain technology in healthcare: A comprehensive review and directions for future research. Applied sciences, 9(9), 1736. Retrieved from: 10.3390/app9091736
Morilla, M. D. R., Sans, M., Casasa, A., & Giménez, N. (2017). Implementing technology in healthcare: insights from physicians. BMC medical informatics and decision making, 17(1), 92. Retrieved from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12911-017-0489-2
Sample Answer for NURS 6051 Healthcare Information Technology Trends
DAMBER
RE: Discussion – Week 6
Advancement in technology has simplified the way we do things; it saves time, increases production, and simplifies communication in our lives. As society’s demands and lifestyle change, the need for advancing technology we use is high. Almost everything we use has been innovated to better standards. Health care has harnessed this opportunity to improve the quality of care with the use of medical technological tools. Current trends are enabling self-patients of health conditions with the use of wearable fitness tracking devices, telemedicine to connect patients and health care providers from a long distance, cloud storage for ease of access on mobile devices, and smart equipment within the hospital.
Here at the facility where I am employed, the most advanced technology we offer our patients would have to be telehealth. Telehealth is defined as “the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health and health administration.” by The Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) (HealthIT.gov, 2017). Telehealth uses information and communication technologies to enables the diagnosis, consultation, treatment, education, care management, and self-management of a patient’s health care while the patient is at the originating site and the health care provider is at a distant location. The technology simplifies patient self-management and caregiver support through the use of a laptop or smartphone app, rising the productivity of patient care. In my facility, we use the Epic system for charting and communication, and a feature we bargain is the use of a health portal called ‘MyChart’ where labs, medications, personalized care plan, educational information, and interact with their physicians can be reviewed. Another feature that serves 24/7 access line where nurses have the ability to distantly watch cardiac monitors while the patient at home and alert the patient and physicians advice on certain things such as medication, abnormal lab callbacks, or when to seek treatment, and connect them with an on-call physician over the phone or app. Nurses and healthcare workers are up to date on these up-to-date technologies use at their facility to reply any questions and clarify to their patients.
Telehealth’s influence on nursing focuses on patients’ care either long-term wellness care , self-management, and on their current health condition. Nurses have the capacity to deliver necessary information to patients during a time of need, especially in rural areas. I believe that the impact on nursing practice is positive through assessment, planning, interventions, and evaluations of the outcomes in patient care on a level outside of the hospital. Telehealth aids to incorporate better access to healthcare, cost reduction, and preventing unnecessary visits to urgent care or to the ER. A possible risk connected with telehealth is about having possibility of violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) in data safety and legislation. Health information is not always secure when stored on patients’ mobile devices, iPad or even on their laptop and the patient’s health record or login information could be hacked or stolen. Therefore, HIPAA training for nurses precisely towards telehealth practices is essential to keep patient’s health information safe and secure. Acceptable security and privacy protections for underlying telehealth data and systems must be provided for providers and patients to provide confidence in the use of telehealth solutions (Hall & McGraw, 2014).
In my opinion, The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) trend that includes ECG monitors, mobile apps, fitness trackers, and smart sensors can measure biological metric data; such as blood pressure, pulse, heart rate, glucose level, and more and set reminders for patients is the most promising in healthcare’s future (Iqbail, 2019). With the use of affordable health monitoring devices, patients can achieve their health better . IoMT can precisely capture and manage data in real-time and use that data analytically to identify these trends. It develops patient results by improving the patient’s knowledge of their own health information and can be studied by health professionals. IoMT an help physicians manage patient’s data quickly by identifying more-accurate diagnosis increasing a more-
efficient delivery of care that is cost effective.
References
HealthIT.gov. (2017, September 22 ). What is telehealth? How is telehealth different from telemedicine?. Retrieved from https://www.healthit.gov/faq/what-telehealth-how-telehealth-different-telemedicine
Hall, J., & McGraw, D. (2014). For telehealth to succeed, privacy and security risks must be identified and addressed. Health Affairs, 33(2). https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2013.0997
Iqbail, S. (2019, February 13). IoMT and big data: How the internet of medical things impacts clinical trials. Clinical Trials Innovation. Retrieved from https://knect365.com/clinical-trials-innovation/article/5024ec64-030e-4ba6-bc2b-c701a28b2b95/big-data-and-iomt-the-impact-of-the-internet-of-medical-things-on-clinical-trials
Sample Response for NURS 6051 Healthcare Information Technology Trends
This is insightful Damber. Technological advancement has greatly simplified healthcare processes including surgical procedures and the management of patient data. Generally, technology saves times, increases the speed in the operational processes and enhance accuracy. In the healthcare system, the application of technology has eliminated human errors that often lead to further complications and longer hospital stay (Abu-Elezz et al., 2020). The application of technology in the healthcare system also simplifies the communication processes leading to the effective coordination among the healthcare professionals. With the advancement in the communication system, nurses, physicians, and other clinicians often find it easier to administer treatment processes and to ensure quality outcomes.
Technology is also essential in eliminating the healthcare problems associated with the low nurse to patient ratios. For instance, the application of artificial intelligence will greatly change the healthcare delivery processes. The technology will eliminate healthcare professionals in healthcare settings and establish accurate treatment outcomes. Technology continues to elevate healthcare delivery processes into better standards (Sadiku et al., 2018). One of the main technological product that is used in the healthcare system today is telehealth which is applied to reach patients in the remote places. Telehealth is the application of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health and health administration. The technology is important because it can reduce the cases of healthcare acquired infections and reduce the problems associated with nurse to patient ratios. Different healthcare organizations use technology in different ways. However, the main reason for the application of technology in the healthcare processes is to enhance efficiency and facilitate healthcare delivery processes.
Today, most healthcare organizations are consideration the use of advanced technology such as the machine learning and artificial intelligence to facilitate accuracy in the medical delivery processes. For example, the artificial intelligence can be used to undertake highly sensitive surgical processes.
References
Abu-Elezz, I., Hassan, A., Nazeemudeen, A., Househ, M., & Abd-Alrazaq, A. (2020). The benefits and threats of blockchain technology in healthcare: A scoping review. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 104246. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2020.104246
Sadiku, M. N., Eze, K. G., & Musa, S. M. (2018). Block chain technology in healthcare. Int. J. Adv. Sci. Res. Eng, 4(5), 154-159. Retrieved from: : http://dx.doi.org/10.7324/IJASRE.2018.32723
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