Module 6, Question 3

This class had an easy to follow design, showing the 6 modules with their subsequent information and steps to complete each module. I thought this portion of the IT course was adequate. In completing the specific aspects listed in each module, the difficulty arose when expectations were not fully explained for the assignments. If I was the instructor for this course, I would prefer to design a curriculum that allowed for improved expectations and timely feedback. Feedback is a crucial component to learning and synthesizing the information taught in any course. Feedback given between each module would improve the understanding of expectations and improve the educational benefits, as well. I also believe that interaction with others improves the understanding of material. Improvements in teacher/student and student/student relationships would make the class more enjoyable and activities and communication between individuals would further cement the concepts taught.

Module 6, Question 2

The topic that I learned about the most in this class are the large variety of clinical decision support tools available. As a future practitioner, it is valuable to be well informed about the various assist tools and applications to aid practice. I look forward to implementing this technology in practice. My favorite topic, of course, has to do with these technological advances. Using these programs and devices in practice greatly aids in the efficiency and quality of practice. In the Emergency Department, I visualize technology used constantly to retrieve information useful in diagnosing and treating patients. Without these resources, providers would be much more limited to the accessibility of information.

Module 6, Question 1

As a student, I prefer to take online courses so that I may proceed at my own pace. I find this much easier for me than the traditional format and on-campus presentation. Without this technology, I would not be attending school currently. I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity and enjoy the advances in technology. The disadvantage of taking an online course is that it prevents students from interacting and getting to know the instructors. This, at times, makes communication and expectations difficult. A good course outline and clear grading criteria make this easier.

Module 5 Question

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality provides an extensive amount of information for consumers and professionals. Current reimbursement issues, clinical practice guidelines, and research findings are discussed as they pertain to current practice within the healthcare setting. I have noticed that present practices in the acute care setting is being designed around reimbursement issues imposed by Medicare/Medicaid. The Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) is becoming a large consideration in care at Intermountain facilities. As this is to be the wave of the future with reimbursement, it bears consideration and is necessary to become informed to understand the criteria. Of concern is the role that patients play in determining reimbursement for providers. As a healthcare provider, it is beneficial to all to improve practice and utilize patient satisfaction to improve care. My concern lies in the fact that the patients, many uninformed consumers, are determining the amount of reimbursement to the facilities and providers. As this is placed in effect, I am sure there will be many kinks to be addressed and it will be beneficial to both parties.

The regulatory and accreditation information that is available to consumers and professionals is a great resource. It assures professionals that they are providing appropriate care based on current regulations to be compliant in practice. Making this information available to the public is important to improve education and awareness. Providing this information to the consumers assists to improve the information available; however, it is questionable how these people will utilize this information and if it will be consistent with the intention of the DHHS. It would be appropriate to measure the utilization and understanding of the content displayed but I don't think this would be possible. As providers of healthcare, the most pertinent contribution we can make would be to assure that our individual patients are well-educated.

The use of health information systems is addressed including the electronic medical record, telehealth, electronic prescribing, rural IT issues, and health information exchange. The DHHS website does an adequate job of explaining the pros and cons for these systems. It is evident that the DHHS is more supportive of some measures than others, but I believe that the with ongoing research and improvement of these technologies, the benefits will serve to outweigh the barriers. Providers, facilities, and reimbursement companies will embrace these changes as familiarity is increased. Considerations for these system's implementation include the awareness of the providers and the benefits to providing competent and appropriate care. Patient considerations include privacy factors as well as potential for decreased patient/provider interaction. Once again, the influence of education plays a very important role as these systems are introduced.

Module 4, Question 2

The quality of nursing data is extremely important in relation to decision support. To accurately utilize the tools available, accurate information needs to be obtained. The success and validity of the tool depends upon the accuracy of the objective information. Without this, the systems and tools are useless. As nurses and providers, we should strive to obtain accurate and objective information that will improve patient diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. It is vital to focus on quality, objective data and realize the impact our own biases could have on healthcare.

Module 4, Question 1

In contemplating my own clinical decision-making, these readings made me examine my decisions that I make on a daily basis at work. Many decisions I make about necessary treatments and evaluation are done based on past experiences. I found the information provided to be very interesting and informative. I can understand how overconfidence plays a large role in determining interventions. Perhaps those situations where overconfidence occurs is when a person has vast amounts of experience in any given situation. To combat overconfidence, I must constantly be thinking critically and support my decisions with evidence, not experience. Not to say that experience is not helpful, just that evidence and interventions change frequently with improved research.

Other considerations that must be taken when making clinical decisions include examining objective data to develop an accurate diagnosis while attempting to eliminate hindsight. Also, as important, is placing sufficient weight on prior probabilities associated with the condition. Reading this information will allow me to develop better decision making skills, provided I keep these concepts in mind.

Decision-making in clinical practice should not be based on bias or heuristics. They can be effective but can lead to errors in practice. Paying conscious attention to personal bias and heuristics will make us better practitioners.

Module 3, Questions

Based on the Multiple Intelligences Test, I discovered that my two areas highlighted were Musical and Spatial/Visual. Based on these results, I can understand avenues that could assist in my learning. My strength noted in the Musical area is not a surprise to me, as it is such a large part of my life. I know that Music holds strong connotations and memories. The Spatial/Visual category shows that I am able to better learn and understand when observing or visualizing the information. As I think about how I learn, I can see how I benefit from these areas. Technologies that I can utilize to augment my personal learning would include my Ipod and podcasts as well as videos. Information accessed online is also helpful to me as a visual learner, if there are diagrams and pictures involved. It provides an easier way for me to remember concepts and information.