NR 361 Milestone 1

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-361: RN Information Systems in Healthcare

Prof. Name

Date

NR 361 Milestone 1: Course Project

Scenario Overview

In this scenario, Mr. Joe Smith, a 40-year-old male, slightly overweight, visits for his yearly physical examination. He is concerned about his blood pressure, which was diagnosed as pre-hypertension during his last visit, with readings of 140/90 mm Hg. He was advised to monitor his diet and exercise and was instructed to purchase a blood pressure monitor for home use. Mr. Smith has no other comorbidities or significant family history of illness. However, his stressful job as an accountant, which requires 50 hours of work per week, may be contributing to his health challenges. His lifestyle includes poor dietary habits and a sedentary routine, where he often consumes fast food for dinner due to exhaustion from work.

The nursing assessment for Mr. Smith indicates that he desires assistance in managing both his stress and blood pressure. He prefers to avoid medication and is committed to making lifestyle changes. The nurse’s assessment includes educating Mr. Smith on stress management techniques, proper nutrition, and physical exercise to address his health concerns. Collaborating with a nutritionist to create a low-sodium meal plan, including fruits and vegetables, is recommended. The nurse also advises Mr. Smith to integrate exercise into his daily routine, suggesting breaking it into smaller, manageable increments.

Education Plan

Mr. Smith’s education plan will focus on three key areas: stress management, diet, and exercise.

1. Stress Management: Mr. Smith will utilize a stress management application that provides visual, audio, and physical exercises designed to reduce stress. Techniques such as guided imagery, deep breathing, and mindfulness meditation will be introduced to help him relax. These methods are based on evidence suggesting their efficacy in managing daily stress and preventing chronic illness (Varvogili & Darvir, 2011).

2. Diet: A low-sodium diet rich in fruits and vegetables will be recommended. To help Mr. Smith make better food choices, he will be encouraged to keep healthy snacks readily available. Additionally, meal preparation will be suggested, allowing him to prepare nutritious meals at home for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, thereby avoiding the temptation of unhealthy fast food options.

3. Exercise: To further reduce stress and improve his overall well-being, Mr. Smith will be encouraged to engage in physical activity for at least one hour per day. This could include a range of activities such as walking, yoga, or even household chores. The goal is to incorporate exercise into his routine, as it can help clear his mind and boost his mood.

mHealth Application: The Mindfulness App

The Mindfulness App is a mobile application that can benefit Mr. Smith by helping him manage his stress through guided meditation and relaxation techniques. The app is suitable for individuals aged four and older who experience stress, anxiety, or depression. It offers features such as daily guided mindfulness meditation sessions, calming sounds, and music. The app also includes a five-day guided introduction to mindfulness, silent and timed sessions ranging from three to 30 minutes, and reminders to help users stay focused on their practice. It is available on both iPhone and Android devices and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or the Apple Store (Mindfulness, 2020).

References

Mindfulness. (2020). The Mindfulness App. https://themindfulnessapp.com/
Varvogili, L., & Darvir, C. (2011). Stress management techniques: Evidence-based procedures that reduce stress and promote health. Health Science Journal, 5(2), 74-89.

NR 361 Milestone 1

NR 361 Week 7 Discussion

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-361: RN Information Systems in Healthcare

Prof. Name

Date

Personal Communication Devices in Healthcare

The use of personal communication devices (PCDs) in healthcare settings has sparked much debate, especially regarding its impact on patient care. On the one hand, PCDs can offer significant benefits, such as aiding in the accessibility of information that may assist in patient care. For instance, nurses can use their smartphones to quickly look up doctor information or communicate with family members regarding the care of their loved ones. However, there are also potential negative impacts. Personal communication devices can serve as distractions, diverting the attention of healthcare professionals from their primary duties. This could lead to errors or decreased quality of care. Therefore, while PCDs can be useful, their use must be managed carefully to ensure patient safety.

Ethical and legal concerns are closely tied to the use of personal communication devices in healthcare settings. A significant issue is the potential breach of patient confidentiality, which could violate the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). When nurses use their personal devices inappropriately, such as posting on social media without realizing that sensitive patient information might be disclosed, they risk legal repercussions, including civil or criminal penalties. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), such actions can lead to fines, jail time, and even the loss of a nursing license. Therefore, healthcare workers must remain mindful of the ethical and legal obligations that accompany their use of personal devices at work.

Professional literature also highlights how communication devices can support safe nursing practice. According to Hebda and Czar (2013), mobile devices can enhance workflow, improve access to information, and promote evidence-based practice, all of which contribute to better decision-making at the point of care. However, for these benefits to be fully realized, nurses must use these devices responsibly, ensuring that patient confidentiality is not compromised in the process. By doing so, nurses can leverage the portability and functionality of mobile devices to improve patient outcomes while adhering to ethical and legal standards.

Table: Use of Personal Communication Devices in Healthcare

References

Hebda, T., & Czar, P. (2013). Handbook of informatics for nurses & healthcare professionals (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

NR 361 Week 7 Discussion

National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2011, August). White paper: A nurse’s guide to the use of social media. Retrieved from https://www.ncsbn.org/Social_Media.pdf

NR 361 Week 6

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-361: RN Information Systems in Healthcare

Prof. Name

Date

Week 6: Distractions and Their Impact on Patient Safety

Distractions are prevalent in healthcare environments, posing risks to patient care. These distractions may include the frequent use of cellphones, alarms ringing for various reasons, overhead paging systems, monitors beeping, and staff members interrupting the flow of thoughts. All these elements create a distracting environment that could lead to detrimental outcomes. One notable example is the occurrence of ethical or legal issues if a patient experiences poor outcomes or a sentinel event due to distractions such as alarm fatigue.

Nurses have a professional responsibility to follow a code of ethics, which mandates that they “promote, advocate for, and strive to protect the health, safety, and rights of the patient” (Lachman, 2006). The duty to ensure patient safety becomes compromised when nurses, affected by alarm fatigue, fail to respond to alarms appropriately. Ignoring or missing alarms, even unintentionally, may result in severe harm to patients and open healthcare providers to negligence lawsuits. Negligence is defined as “the doing of something which a reasonably prudent person would not do, or the failure to do something which a reasonably prudent person would do, under similar circumstances” (Ashley, 2003, p. 72).

Alarm fatigue has been identified as a contributor to sentinel events and patient deaths. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported 566 deaths related to monitoring alarms between 2005 and 2008 (American Journal of Critical Care, 2014, p. e10). In response to these concerns, the Joint Commission introduced a National Patient Safety Goal (NPSG) in 2016 that emphasizes the importance of alarm management (Funk, Clark, Bauld, Ott, & Coss, 2014, p. e18). Hospitals are encouraged to establish alarm safety as a priority and to implement policies and procedures aimed at reducing alarm fatigue to protect patient safety (The Joint Commission, 2015).

Ethical and Legal Issues Related to Alarm Fatigue

References

Ashley, R. C. (2003). Understanding Negligence. Critical Care Nurse, 23(5), 72-73.
Funk, M., Clark, J. T., Bauld, T. J., Ott, J. C., & Coss, P. (2014). Attitudes and Practices Related to Clinical Alarms. American Journal Of Critical Care, 23(3), e9-e18. https://doi.org/10.4037/ajcc2014315

NR 361 Week 6

Lachman, V. D. (2006). Applied Ethics in Nursing. New York: Springer Publishing Company.
The Joint Commission. (2015). National Patient Safety Goals Effective January 1, 2016. Retrieved from https://www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/6/2016_NPSG_HAP.pdf

NR 361 Week 5 Discussion

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-361: RN Information Systems in Healthcare

Prof. Name

Date

Trends in Informatics

One of the most significant trends in healthcare today is the integration of technology into the provision of care. Various technological innovations such as telehealth, nanotechnology, and consumer health informatics (CHI) have transformed the way healthcare is delivered and accessed. Telehealth, in particular, has emerged as a crucial tool in the healthcare landscape. The ability to provide healthcare services remotely through telecommunications and electronic information exchange is invaluable, especially for patients in underserved or rural areas. The increasing use of telehealth has raised important questions about its legal, privacy, and ethical implications for both healthcare providers and patients. Understanding these trends and their potential impact on nursing practice is essential for ensuring quality care in the rapidly evolving healthcare environment.

I have chosen to discuss telehealth as a trend in healthcare because it is something I have seen utilized firsthand. According to Hebda and Czar (2012), telehealth involves using telecommunications technologies and electronic information to exchange healthcare information and provide clinical services to clients over long distances. This trend has the potential to significantly improve access to healthcare, especially for those who live in remote areas or face economic or social barriers to accessing care.

NR 361 Week 5 Discussion

For example, individuals with chronic illnesses or acute conditions who reside far from healthcare facilities can receive home care, monitoring, and education for self-management through telehealth technologies (Bartz, 2014). I live in a rural area with limited access to healthcare facilities—our nearest hospital is 40 to 50 miles away, and it lacks specialized care options. However, through telehealth, our local hospital has been able to connect with specialists at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) to provide patients with access to the care they need. This technology allows us to overcome geographic barriers and deliver timely, specialized healthcare to our community.

In addition to the benefits of telehealth, it is essential to consider the legal, privacy, and ethical issues associated with this trend. Telehealth requires secure communication channels to protect patient data and ensure confidentiality. Nurses and healthcare providers must adhere to legal regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), to safeguard patient privacy. Furthermore, ethical considerations include ensuring equitable access to telehealth services and addressing potential disparities in technology use among different populations. Despite these challenges, telehealth has proven to be a valuable tool for improving healthcare access and outcomes, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

References

Bartz, C. C. (2014). Leadership strategies for improved nursing synergy between informatics and telehealth. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 201, 227-232.

NR 361 Week 5 Discussion

Hebda, T. L., & Czar, P. (2012). Handbook of Informatics for Nurses & Healthcare Professionals (5th ed.).

NR 361 Week 4 Discussion

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-361: RN Information Systems in Healthcare

Prof. Name

Date

Case Study: Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Personal Health Records

A 65-year-old woman has been diagnosed with Stage 3 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She was informed about her condition during a visit to her primary care physician. After receiving the diagnosis, she returned home to review her test and lab results with her family. The patient accessed her personal health record (PHR) online, but she could only retrieve a portion of the results. The physician’s office explained that her lab work was performed across multiple locations: one at a lab unaffiliated with the healthcare organization, another at the emergency room, and the rest at the doctor’s office. This scenario illustrates a common issue in clinical practice, where patients receive healthcare services from different organizations with varying systems, making it challenging to access all medical records in one place.

Pros and Cons of the Situation

The ability to access one’s PHR provides patients with valuable information regarding their health, including data from medical visits, tests, and labs. However, the woman in this case study faced limitations, as not all medical facilities were connected to the same PHR. As a result, there were gaps in the data available to her. While PHRs are designed to enhance accessibility and promote continuity of care, the lack of synchronization between different healthcare providers impedes the productivity of such systems. Patients in situations like this must contact multiple facilities to manually gather the missing information, leading to delays and complications in their care management.

Safeguards in Patient Portals and PHRs

The security of personal information is a significant concern for patients. Hebda and Czar (2013) describe the electronic PHR as a “private, secure application” that allows individuals to access, manage, and share their health information (p. 325). Access to PHRs is restricted to those with authorized login credentials or proxy users delegated by the patient. When patients use the messaging feature of their PHR, secure email is utilized, which includes encryption and user authentication to prevent unauthorized access. As Hebda points out, this method of communication is essential for ensuring patient safety, privacy, and effective care coordination (p. 335). Furthermore, PHRs synced with electronic health records (EHRs) during hospital stays are regulated by HIPAA, which enforces strict privacy protections.

Challenges and Personal Opinions on the Process

The use of PHRs offers several benefits, such as the consolidation of treatments, health monitoring, and ease of communication with healthcare providers. Despite these advantages, not all healthcare facilities participate in data synchronization with a single PHR. This can make it difficult for patients to access complete health records, particularly when receiving care from multiple providers. In this scenario, patients may need to obtain physical copies of their medical records from various locations. While this poses a challenge, it also presents an opportunity for patients to manually organize their information and maintain their health records at home.

Challenges of Limited Access to EHRs

PHRs often contain only a portion of a patient’s EHR. Vydra, Cuaresma, Kretovics, and Bose-Brill (2015) explain that “tethered” PHRs are linked to a physician’s electronic medical record (EMR) and provide patients with access to subsets of their EMR data (p. 1). This limited access can hinder the continuity of care and medical management post-hospitalization, as patients may struggle to understand incomplete lab results or test outcomes. Additionally, the medical terminology used in EHRs may confuse patients, further complicating their ability to interpret important health information.

References

Hebda, T., & Czar, P. (2013). Handbook of informatics for nurses & healthcare professionals (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Vydra, T. P., Cuaresma, E., Kretovics, M., & Bose-Brill, S. (2015). Diffusion and Use of Tethered Personal Health Records in Primary Care. Perspectives in Health Information Management, 1-16.

NR 361 Week 4 Discussion

Table: Key Points from Case Study

NR 361 Week 3 Discussion

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-361: RN Information Systems in Healthcare

Prof. Name

Date

Role of Integration in Healthcare

In the context of healthcare, integration plays a crucial role in aligning various components, including the healthcare team, health records, policies, and patients. According to Derr (2017), integration involves planning and coordinating these elements to create a cohesive healthcare delivery model. This approach addresses the evolving nature of healthcare technologies and delivery systems, establishing a solid foundation for a successful healthcare framework. Integration is a multifaceted concept that harmonizes various aspects of healthcare, such as health records, policies, collaboration, costs, and resources, into a continuous and unified process (Week 3 Lesson, n.d.).

The successful incorporation of multiple information systems is vital for the seamless management of patient care and the overall success of healthcare organizations. Effective integration can enhance the quality of healthcare services while simultaneously reducing costs, ensuring that patients perceive value in their care (Greene, Weeks, & Weinstein, 2015). Furthermore, integration contributes to improved resource efficiency and better care coordination. By streamlining various policies and procedures, healthcare organizations can ultimately boost their bottom line through increased efficiency, enhanced value, payment incentives, and reimbursements (Greene, Weeks, & Weinstein, 2015).

References

Derr, D. (2017). Healthcare facilities planning: Building success with an integrated approach. Retrieved from Becker’s Hospital Review

Greene, R., Weeks, W., & Weinstein, J. (2015). Potential advantages of health system consolidation and integration. The American Journal of Medicine. Retrieved from The American Journal of Medicine00462-3/pdf)

NR 361 Week 3 Discussion

Week 3 Lesson: Usability, Integration, and Interoperability (n.d). NR361 RN Information Systems in Healthcare. Chamberlain University. Retrieved from Chamberlain University

NR 361 Week 2 Check-In Direct Care Project Part 1

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-361: RN Information Systems in Healthcare

Prof. Name

Date

Question 1

I have thoroughly reviewed the instructions, templates, and rubrics pertaining to the four components of the Direct Care Project.

Question 2

For the Direct Care Project, I have identified a target population of registered nurses (RNs) working in a clinical setting who are not aware of how certification can enhance patient outcomes and leadership skills. The chosen target population comprises emergency room registered nurses. Specifically, I have identified two RNs in the emergency department who were unaware of the advantages associated with obtaining Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) certification.

Question 3

In relation to the selected target population, the appropriate clinical certification is the Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN). This certification is awarded to nurses who can demonstrate their proficiency and knowledge in emergency nursing. To achieve this certification, nurses must exhibit the necessary skills to manage critical patients, perform triage effectively, and evaluate emergency situations competently.

Question 4

Regarding the completion status of the Direct Care Part 1: Assessment and Diagnosis assignment, I have not yet begun this section of the Direct Care Project. The areas I need to address include writing the problem diagnosis, discussing how certification can influence leadership skills in the chosen setting, analyzing how certified nurses can enhance patient outcomes in the selected environment, summarizing the findings of a relevant article, locating a peer-reviewed scholarly nursing journal article that connects patient outcomes, certification, and leadership skills, and researching the selected clinical certification.

Question 5

In the text box, I would like to inquire about any uncertainties I have concerning the Direct Care Project Part 1: Assessment and Diagnosis assignment. I anticipate a response from my faculty by Friday at 11:59 p.m. MT through the comment section in Grades. Initially, I felt overwhelmed by the project; however, after reviewing the requirements and some pertinent literature, I am now confident in my ability to fulfill the project’s expectations.

References

American Nurses Credentialing Center. (n.d.). Certification. Retrieved from www.nursingworld.org

Cohen, R. (2020). The impact of certification on nursing leadership and patient outcomes. Journal of Nursing Administration, 50(7-8), 415-420. doi:10.1097/NNA.0000000000000910

NR 361 Week 2 Check-In Direct Care Project Part 1

Hannans, J. (2019). Emergency nursing certification: Improving outcomes. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 45(4), 423-427. doi:10.1016/j.jen.2018.11.006

National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2021). Certification in nursing: An overview. Retrieved from www.ncsbn.org

NR 361 Week 1 Discussion

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-361: RN Information Systems in Healthcare

Prof. Name

Date

AACN Essentials Self-Assessment

To begin this course, download and open the AACN Essentials Self-Assessment. Once you complete the self-assessment, calculate your total score. If you are comfortable, please share your results with your classmates in your discussion post. This assessment serves as a foundation for our learning over the next eight weeks. As you consider your score, reflect on areas where your knowledge may need enhancement. Regardless of whether you are a new graduate or a seasoned nurse, it is crucial to remember that all professional nurses are, in essence, knowledge workers.

Reflection on Nursing Informatics

In my view, nursing informatics represents a dynamic specialty within nursing that significantly influences various aspects of healthcare, including educational settings, meaningful technology use, interprofessional collaboration, patient care environments, strategic planning, patient satisfaction, and ultimately, patient outcomes. As defined by McGonigle et al. (2014), nursing informatics is the application of nursing science and technology to optimize the flow of data into actionable knowledge aimed at improving patient care.

My score on the AACN self-assessment is 23, indicating that while I performed well in most areas, there are some aspects where I fell short. I currently feel uneasy using technology but am eager to improve my navigation skills through the nursing informatics course I am enrolled in. A significant area where I need to advance my knowledge is in utilizing new patient care technologies to ensure safe and high-quality care. As nurses, we hold the responsibility to advocate for our patients and provide care that meets safety and quality standards.

In my current position, I work with a software system called HCS, which facilitates my access to essential tools for delivering effective patient care. Although this system is relatively new to me, I have managed to navigate it adequately thus far; however, I aim to become more proficient. As noted by Hebda et al. (2019), healthcare professionals today must possess a broader knowledge base than ever before to perform their daily responsibilities effectively. I am particularly interested in whether a standardized system could be implemented across all healthcare facilities, allowing professionals to avoid having to learn a new system every time they enter a different work environment.

Table Summary

References

Hebda, T., Hunter, K. M., & Czar, P. (2019). Handbook of informatics for nurses and healthcare professionals (6th ed.). NY, NY: Pearson.

NR 361 Week 1 Discussion

McGonigle, D., Hunter, K., Sipes, C., & Hebda, T. (2014). Why nurses need to understand nursing informatics. AORN Journal, 100(3), 324-327. doi:http://dx.doi.org.chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.aorn.2014.06.012