UTHSC: informatics

[kputman]

I will be posting weekly for University of Tennessee nursing students. Different groups will be required to reply to a post and also reply to each other.

Any one interested (outside the nursing school) is also welcome to reply. My goal is to exchange ideas and cause purposeful thinking.

Here will be the query for the week beginning March 21-March 28.

How do you see the rapid development of communication devices changing society in general? How is it changing Healthcare?

[Jimble]

I think Sally makes a good point about the tension between maintaining privacy of your medical records and ensuring that providers have access to your health information so that you can be treated appropriately. It is absolutely essential that safeguards are in place so that a patient's medical records remain secure and that only authorized medical personnel can access this sensitive information.

[Jimble]

In response to UTGH1-CW:

I agree with Cory about how improved methods of data sharing and the widespread use of electronic medical records can improve the quality of care that patients receive by allowing more collaboration between providers and eliminating the need to hunt for information hidden in paper charts. I wish I could share your optimism that the time that's saved using this new technology would translate into more face-to-face time with patients, but I feel that hospital administrators will use the time saved to cut staffing levels instead.

[Ssummer5]

Cory, I appreciate the fact that you acknowledge the cons of electronic communication as well as the pros, as it has become a very controversial subject. Although communication devices have increased efficiency of healthcare, social rights, businesses, and education, they have left the elder generations concerned. Some believe it is causing a negative effect on children's language development, and others go so far to say it is making younger generations narcisitic and antisocial by replacing human interaction with a touch screen device. My opinion is that as society's needs continue to change, societal norms will continue to change as well. Regardless of the possible negative effects of communication technology, most cannot deny the positive effects that have arisen from unlimited interpersonal avenues.

UTGH1-SS

[Ssummer5]

Maria, you make an excellent point that our society's preferred language has changed along with the advancement of technology. Time management is of great concern to most citizens, and the invention of abbreviations and deterioration of "snail mail" has appeased many who are using technology as a means of communication and productivity. I, too, receive text messages when my prescriptions are ready, and it saves me a great deal of time and stress as the reminders renew every month. My bank has also adopted a smart phone app that allows me to deposit a check within seconds at my preferred location. Because of these developments, I find I have more time to spend on meaningful activities, such as schoolwork, fitness, and spending time with friends and family. These are just a few ways that technological advancement allows us to live a richer, more fulfilled life in an efficient manner.

SSUTGH1-SS

[cwilban]

Jim, I cannot say I am 100% optimistic regarding technological advances and increased usage in the hospital, for the quality of care depends predominantly on the providers. Instead, I can only imagine how the quality of care can be improved with more collaboration. With technological advances in communication at the wheel, great things could be accomplished. Ultimately, its up to the healthcare providers to drive.

UTGH1-CW

[Jauclyn]

Nursing informatics integrates computer science, nursing science, and information science to manage and communicate data, knowledge, and information. The discipline focuses on finding various methods in which one can improve information management and communication, reduce costs, and improve the quality of patient care. Healthcare informatics is linked to technology and computer advances, yet documentation is a key primary focus of informatics.

The quality of care for a patient is dependent upon effective communication between various healthcare disciplines. Computers aid in allowing various health care providers to be properly informed of all aspects of a patient's care in a timely fashion, but computers are not the main focus. The advances in technology allows for healthcare providers to have access to up to date information on patients which in turn allows for better decisions to be made to regard their care. Timeliness and effectiveness of the systems are essential.If a system is too difficult to navigate, not user friendly, or impedes on workflow one may be against using the system.

AmericanDental Education Association (2012). NursingInformatics. Retrieved from Nursing Informatics | explorehealthcareers.org