NRSG 311 Unit 5 – Discussion Board

The topics that most interested me were patient privacy and the PICO research method. The discussion board conversations were lively and compelling. Seven years into my career in healthcare I thought I had heard and read everything about HIPAA (we have to do annual training on it) and was honestly bored with the topic. The conversations on the discussion board renewed my interest. I had no idea that some people out there so willfully and flagrantly violate HIPAA guidelines and reading some of the stories reinforced how important it is to protect patient privacy. I will use this renewed interest in HIPAA to be a lot more mindful about patient privacy and try to guide my peers to err on the side of caution.

The PICO research question project proved to be much more interesting than I thought it would be. The exercise of slowing down and examining how I was researching my question improved my skills in getting the information that I was after. I was able to narrow down my searches enough that I went from thousands of results to less than 50 in some cases. My question was related to the efficacy of a low carb/high fat diet versus a low-calorie diet on sustainable weight loss. Through my research I was able to find a study that concluded that while both diets are effective in the short term, they are very hard to adhere to long term (Joshi, Mohan 2018). Consistency is key and ultimately, a well-balanced diet that is free from extremes (making it easier to stick to) is the most effective way to lose weight and maintain weight loss (Joshi, Mohan 2018).

References

Mohan, V., & Joshi, S. (2018). Pros & cons of some popular extreme weight-loss diets. Indian

 Journal of Medical Research, 148(5), 642. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_1793_18

Upon reflection of the information gained from the Nursing Informatics course, some of the most interesting topics was reading all the available consumer products that were available for patient care and where patient data is stored.  Those these topics are generalized, the information in the class further expanded knowledge and put into perspective the large effort and networks required to house confidential information.  Additionally, a new appreciation for keeping the security of this information has formed.  Hebda et al. stated by facilitating data collection, we can measure the quality of our service delivery (2018, p. 6). Participating in discussion posts also assisted in gaining additional insight into the different software applications for consumers as different nurses from varying disciplines may use a different application to suit their patient population needs.

While the learned information does not need additional clarification, it would have been helpful to be able to access a play environment of the different applications to explore and navigate these areas. This knowledge and intimate understanding would certainly hold value in helping future patients navigate the applications or additional questions on use. In a study conducted by Lyles et al. suggests paying attention to a patient’s digital literacy, broadband access, device ownership is important when attempting to engage participation in portals and their health journey (2020, p. S126). Having healthcare workers become familiar with portal access and navigation could benefit all parties involved to increase their current working knowledge.

This course is likely to change perception that was once more narrowed focused to programs developed from a provider aspect into a well rounded process that considers the patient proficiency of usage. Certainly, all providers understand that the ease of program usage and navigation ease for both sides of patient care and participation.  Moving forward, incorporating and promoting EHR portal signup and fielding follow up questions will be added to daily routine of patient care.

References

Hebda, T. L., Czar, P., & Hunter, K. (2018). Handbook of Informatics for Nurses & Healthcare Professionals (6th Edition) (p.75). Pearson Education (US). https://coloradotech.vitalsource.com/books/9780134677064

Lyles, C. R., Nelson, E. C., Frampton, S., Dykes, P. C., Cemballi, A. G., & Sarkar, U. (2020). Using Electronic Health Record Portals to Improve Patient Engagement: Research Priorities and Best Practices. Annals of Internal Medicine, 172, S123–S129. https://doi-org.coloradotech.idm.oclc.org/10.7326/M19-0876

To identifying, defining, managing, and communicating data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice, nursing informatics is a specialization that combines nursing science with a variety of information and analytical sciences (Hebda et al., 2018). Some of the most compelling topics covered in this course were ethical concerns and data sharing, EHR, and research. Some of the smallest events can lead to a data breach. We must be very careful with patient information. 

     Taking this course has brought clarity to Nursing Informatics. All before I would have stated nursing informatics involves computers and the charting system you are using for patient care. I also remember saying with charting they continue to add on more work but now I know it is required for several reasons like meaningful use. With meaningful use we are required to document fall risk, smoking risk, depression, social determinants, vaccinations, etc. I can now explain why we need to document and close care gaps and not just look at it as another task to complete. 

     Learning is a continuous process. The posts from the discussion boards help to create a dialog amongst peers and the instructor. It is always good to share work-related experiences so that we can learn from one another. It is also helpful that there are different work backgrounds whether it is critical care, labor and delivery, NICU, pediatrics, or adult primary care, they all come with learning experiences. This course has also helped me to be more careful with patient privacy. I will be more cognitive with locking my computer screen when I leave my workstation even if I am stepping 5 steps away from the computer. 

                                                                                       Reference:

Hebda, T. L., Czar, P., & Hunter, K. (2018). Handbook of Informatics for Nurses & Healthcare Professionals (6th Edition)(p.2).        Pearson Education (US). https://coloradotech.vitalsource.com/books/9780134677064