V. Informatics and Healthcare Technologies/ Information Literacy (AACN, 2011)
"Knowledge and skills in information and healthcare technology are critical to the delivery of quality patient care in a variety of settings" (AACN, 2011, p.18). In essential five, I demonstrated growth in healthcare informatics and in healthcare technology through designing a website, workflow processes to aid in quality improvement, and integrating the use of innovative technology into clinical practice. Healthcare technology is vastly important in every aspect of the healthcare industry. APRNs chart using EMR, communicate with other specialty providers, and with coordinating patient care.
I first met essential five by doing an HIT project on inflammatory bowel disease in children. The project was compiled of an evidenced based paper and website for patients to view with information on the disease. The members of our team came together and delegated different tasks to individuals to make our work more efficient. We looked at inflammatory bowel disease, researched the pathophysiology, lifestyle factors, treatment, and manifestations of IBD. We used innovative website building technology to help construct a website for patients to view more information regarding their disease.
HIT Project
Secondly, I met essential five by constructing a concept map on the differences between the two types of IBD including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Concept maps are used in advanced practice nursing to help differentiate between two common types of disease processes and their respected symptoms. "The master’s-prepared nurse uses statistical and epidemiological principles to synthesize these data, information, and knowledge to evaluate and achieve optimal health outcomes" (AACN, 2011, p.18).
Concept Map
Next, I was able to meet essential five during an assignment in healthcare informatics. The assignment was to write about emerging healthcare trends. "Graduates of master’s-level nursing programs will have competence to determine the appropriate use of technologies and integrate current and emerging technologies in one’s practice and the practice of others to enhance care outcomes" (AACN, 2011, p.18). In this project I researched various trends including telehealth, robotics, and 3-D printing. With the covid-19 pandemic, providers became very accustomed to using telehealth to conduct patient visits. Through telehealth, the provider was still able to see patients without having to cancel appointments due to active or known exposure of covid-19. Without this technology, I feel like some patients would be lost to treatment. During this project, I was able to conceptualize how vital robotics are in cardiac and neurosurgery cases. 3-D printing has allowed providers to view real life replicas of organs to visualize and practice on even before surgery. Through innovative technology, the APRN can enhance care outcomes in clinical practice.
Emerging Trends in Healthcare
Lastly, I was able to meet essential five by doing a patch narrative assessment survey. This survey included doing a literature review on the importance of computers in healthcare technology. In healthcare, EMR systems are constantly changing and the APRN must learn how to adapt to new systems. "The usefulness of electronic health records and other health information management systems to evaluate care outcomes is improved by standardized terminologies" (AACN, 2011, p.19). My goal is to always remain open to new possibilities in computer technologies. I am never afraid to learn new things and adapt to new ideas to help better serve our patients and hospital. I believe that with advancements in healthcare informatics comes new growth for our generation. This survey demonstrated my positive attitude regarding computers in healthcare.
Patch Assessment
Strengths
&
Weaknesses
My strengths for essential five includes being able to adapt to new EMR systems. During my career, I have been through many charting systems and have been able to quickly catch on. I am able to demonstrate strength in the use of technology for research, patient care, and coordinate care for patients across the continuum. ​
My weaknesses during essential five was building a website for my HIT project. I had never constructed a website before and at first the task proved to be rather difficult. After practicing multiple times and studying how to design the website, I was able to construct a very well depicted website for patients to view information on their disease process. APRNs must be open to new innovative technology such as website building to help expand their careers and advertise their capabilities.