Assignment Question

Read the performance-level descriptions for each criterion to see how your work will be assessed. In addition, note the additional requirements for document format and length and for supporting evidence. Analyze the impact of healthcare technology on the patient, family, or population problem. Cite evidence from the literature that addresses the advantages and disadvantages of specific technologies, including research studies that present opposing views. Determine whether the evidence is consistent with the technology use you see in your nursing practice. Identify potential barriers and costs associated with the use of specific technologies and how those technologies are applied within the context of this problem. Explain how care coordination and the utilization of community resources can be used to address the patient, family, or population problem. Cite evidence from the literature that addresses the benefits of care coordination and the utilization of community resources, including research studies that present opposing views. Determine whether the evidence is consistent with how you see care coordination and community resources used in your nursing practice. Identify barriers to the use of care coordination and community resources in the context of this problem. Analyze state board nursing practice standards and/or organizational or governmental policies associated with health care technology, care coordination, and community resources and document the practicum hours spent with these individuals or group in the Capella Academic Portal Volunteer Experience Form. Explain how these standards or policies will guide your actions in applying technology, care coordination, and community resources to address care quality, patient safety, and costs to the system and individual. Describe the effects of local, state, and federal policies or legislation on your nursing scope of practice, within the context of technology, care coordination, and community resources. Explain how nursing ethics will inform your approach to addressing the problem through the use of applied technology, care coordination, and community resources. Document the time spent (your practicum hours) with these individuals or group in the Capella Academic Portal Volunteer Experience Form. Support main points, assertions, arguments, conclusions, or recommendations with relevant and credible evidence. Report on your experiences during the second 2 hours of your practicum. Whom did you meet with? What did you learn from them? Comment on the evidence-based practice (EBP) documents or websites you reviewed. What did you learn from that review? Share the process and experience of exploring the effect of the problem on the quality of care, patient safety, and costs to the system and individual. Did your plan to address the problem change, based upon your experiences? What surprised you, or was of particular interest to you, and why?

Answer

Introduction

The healthcare landscape is continuously evolving, primarily due to advancements in technology, changes in care coordination practices, and the integration of community resources. In this essay, we will analyze the multifaceted impact of healthcare technology on patients, families, and populations. We will also explore the role of care coordination and community resources in addressing healthcare challenges. Additionally, we will consider the influence of nursing practice standards, policies, and ethics in the context of technology, care coordination, and community resources. Throughout this discussion, we will integrate evidence from the literature and real-world experiences to provide a comprehensive understanding of these critical aspects of modern healthcare.

The Impact of Healthcare Technology

Healthcare technology has revolutionized patient care in numerous ways, enhancing both the quality of care and patient outcomes. It has enabled healthcare professionals to make more accurate diagnoses, develop personalized treatment plans, and improve communication among care team members. For example, electronic health records (EHRs) have streamlined information sharing, reducing errors and redundant testing (Hillestad et al., 2005). Telehealth technologies have expanded access to care, particularly in underserved areas, and facilitated remote monitoring of chronic conditions (Bashshur et al., 2016).

However, the advantages of healthcare technology must be balanced against potential disadvantages. One of the primary concerns is the security and privacy of patient data, as breaches can lead to serious consequences (Mishra et al., 2019). Moreover, the rapid pace of technological change can pose challenges for healthcare providers in terms of training and staying current with best practices. Research studies offer differing views on the effectiveness and safety of specific technologies, underscoring the importance of ongoing evaluation and adaptation in nursing practice (Wang et al., 2020).

In my nursing practice, I have observed the extensive use of healthcare technology. EHRs are now standard, allowing for efficient data retrieval and communication among healthcare providers. However, there have been challenges related to data accuracy and interoperability, which need to be addressed to fully realize the potential benefits of these systems.

Barriers and Costs Associated with Healthcare Technology

The adoption of healthcare technology is not without its barriers and costs. Implementing new technologies requires significant financial investments for healthcare organizations. Moreover, resistance to change among staff can impede the successful integration of technology into practice (Cresswell et al., 2013). It is essential to recognize these barriers and work toward solutions that promote the effective use of technology while mitigating associated costs.

Care Coordination and Community Resources

Care coordination is a critical component of modern healthcare, as it aims to ensure that patients receive the right care at the right time from the right providers. This approach can improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance patient satisfaction (McDonald et al., 2017). Community resources, such as social services and support groups, play a complementary role in addressing patients’ holistic needs, particularly in chronic disease management.

Research indicates that effective care coordination and utilization of community resources can lead to reduced hospital readmissions and improved patient adherence to treatment plans (Vogelsmeier et al., 2015). However, barriers, such as fragmented healthcare systems and limited access to community services, can hinder the implementation of these practices (Dale et al., 2019). It is essential to address these challenges to optimize the benefits of care coordination and community resource utilization.

In my nursing practice, I have witnessed the positive impact of care coordination in improving patient transitions between care settings. However, limited access to certain community resources has sometimes limited our ability to address patients’ social determinants of health comprehensively.

Nursing Practice Standards and Policies

Nursing practice standards and organizational policies play a crucial role in guiding the application of technology, care coordination, and community resources. Adhering to these standards ensures that care is delivered safely and effectively. Additionally, government policies, such as those related to reimbursement and telehealth regulations, can significantly influence nursing practice (Greenwood et al., 2018).

Furthermore, ethical considerations are paramount in nursing practice. Ethical principles guide healthcare professionals in making decisions that prioritize patient well-being, autonomy, and justice (Fry et al., 2010). In the context of technology, care coordination, and community resources, ethical dilemmas may arise when balancing patient confidentiality with the need for information sharing or when addressing resource allocation in resource-limited settings.

Local, state, and federal policies or legislation can have a profound impact on nursing scope of practice. For instance, changes in telehealth reimbursement policies during the COVID-19 pandemic led to expanded opportunities for remote care delivery. Understanding and adapting to these policy changes is essential for nurses to provide optimal care within the evolving healthcare landscape.

Documenting Practicum Experiences

During the second phase of my practicum, I had the opportunity to meet with various individuals and groups involved in healthcare delivery, which provided valuable insights into the practical applications of healthcare technology, care coordination, and community resources.

I met with a multidisciplinary team consisting of physicians, nurses, and IT specialists who discussed the implementation of a new electronic health record system in the hospital. This meeting emphasized the importance of effective communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals when transitioning to new technologies. It also highlighted the need for extensive training to ensure that all staff members could use the system efficiently.

In addition, I participated in a care coordination meeting where nurses, social workers, and case managers discussed the discharge plan for a complex patient with multiple chronic conditions. The coordination efforts were impressive, with each team member contributing their expertise to create a comprehensive plan that considered the patient’s medical, social, and psychological needs. This experience underscored the value of care coordination in optimizing patient care.

As part of my practicum hours, I reviewed evidence-based practice (EBP) documents and websites related to healthcare technology. These resources provided in-depth information about the benefits and challenges of specific technologies, such as artificial intelligence and telemedicine. The review also highlighted the need for ongoing research to evaluate the long-term impact of these technologies on patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness.

Exploring the Effect of the Problem

Through these experiences, I gained a deeper understanding of how healthcare technology, care coordination, and community resources affect the quality of care, patient safety, and costs to both the healthcare system and individuals. One key insight was the importance of tailoring technology implementation to the unique needs of healthcare settings and ensuring that it aligns with evidence-based practices. This approach can lead to improved care quality and safety while managing costs.

I also observed that effective care coordination and the utilization of community resources have a direct impact on patient outcomes. When these elements are integrated seamlessly, patients receive more holistic care that addresses their social determinants of health, resulting in reduced hospital readmissions and better adherence to treatment plans. However, barriers such as limited access to certain community services can hinder the full realization of these benefits.

Did Your Plan Change?

My initial plan to address the problem remained largely unchanged based on my experiences during the second phase of my practicum. However, I gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of addressing the specific challenges related to technology implementation and care coordination in healthcare settings. These experiences reinforced the need for ongoing education and training for healthcare professionals to adapt to evolving technologies and care models.

What Surprised Me?

One aspect that surprised me during my practicum was the complexity of care coordination. While I understood its significance, witnessing the intricacies of creating a comprehensive care plan for a patient with multiple chronic conditions highlighted the dedication and expertise required from the care team. This reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and effective communication in achieving positive patient outcomes.

Conclusion

Healthcare technology, care coordination, and community resources are integral components of modern nursing practice. Their impact on patient care, safety, and cost-effectiveness is profound. By analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of specific technologies, addressing barriers, and aligning practice with nursing standards and policies, nurses can navigate the complexities of healthcare delivery while upholding ethical principles. Ultimately, the integration of these elements can lead to improved patient outcomes and a more efficient healthcare system.

References

Bashshur, R. L., Shannon, G. W., & Krupinski, E. A. (2016). Telemedicine: A new health care delivery system. Annual Review of Public Health, 37, 21-36.

Cresswell, K., Sheikh, A., & Franklin, B. D. (2013). Implementation and adoption of nationwide electronic health records in secondary care in England: Final qualitative results from prospective national evaluation in “early adopter” hospitals. BMJ, 346, f3893.

Dale, S. B., Ghosh, A., Peikes, D. N., & Day, T. J. (2019). Aiming to reduce readmissions through integrated transitional care. Journal for Healthcare Quality, 41(2), 109-118.

Fry, S. T., Veatch, R. M., & Taylor, C. (2010). Case studies in nursing ethics. Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Greenwood, D. A., Gee, P. M., Fatkin, K. J., & Peeples, M. (2018). A systematic review of reviews evaluating technology-enabled diabetes self-management education and support. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, 12(4), 846-852.

Hillestad, R., Bigelow, J., Bower, A., Girosi, F., Meili, R., Scoville, R., & Taylor, R. (2005). Can electronic medical record systems transform health care? Potential health benefits, savings, and costs. Health Affairs, 24(5), 1103-1117.

McDonald, K. M., Sundaram, V., Bravata, D. M., Lewis, R., Lin, N., Kraft, S. A., … & Owens, D. K. (2017). Closing the quality gap: A critical analysis of quality improvement strategies (Vol. 7: Care Coordination). Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Mishra, R., Jain, A., Mishra, R., & Verma, A. (2019). Data security in electronic health records: A survey and research directions. Health Information Science and Systems, 7(1), 1-15.

Vogelsmeier, A., Popejoy, L., Rantz, M., & Flesner, M. (2015). An exploration of the use of advanced practice nurses in care coordination. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 30(3), 231-238.

Wang, Y. K., Lin, H. Y., Cheng, M. S., Hsu, T. Y., Kuo, M. S., & Hsu, K. Y. (2020). A study on the relationship among nursing informatics competency, self-efficacy, and nursing performance among clinical nurses. Healthcare, 8(3), 277.

frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. What is healthcare technology, and how does it impact patient care?

• Healthcare technology encompasses a wide range of tools and systems used in healthcare settings, such as electronic health records (EHRs), telehealth, and medical devices. Its impact on patient care includes improved diagnosis accuracy, personalized treatment plans, and enhanced communication among healthcare providers.

2. What are the advantages of healthcare technology in patient care?

• Advantages of healthcare technology include streamlined information sharing, reduced errors, expanded access to care through telehealth, and remote monitoring of chronic conditions.

3. What are the potential disadvantages of healthcare technology?

• Potential disadvantages include concerns about data security and privacy breaches, the need for ongoing staff training, and varying research views on the effectiveness and safety of specific technologies.

4. How can care coordination benefit patients and healthcare systems?

• Care coordination ensures that patients receive appropriate care from the right providers at the right time, leading to improved patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and increased patient satisfaction.

5. What role do community resources play in healthcare?

• Community resources, such as social services and support groups, address patients’ holistic needs and can enhance chronic disease management and overall well-being.

6. What are the barriers to effective care coordination and the utilization of community resources?

• Barriers include fragmented healthcare systems, limited access to community services, and resistance to change among healthcare staff.

7. How do nursing practice standards and policies influence the application of technology, care coordination, and community resources?

• Nursing practice standards and policies provide guidelines to ensure safe and effective care. They also influence nursing practice by addressing issues like reimbursement and telehealth regulations.

8. How do ethical principles apply to healthcare technology, care coordination, and community resources?

• Ethical principles guide healthcare professionals in balancing patient confidentiality with information sharing and in addressing resource allocation dilemmas.

9. How have changes in local, state, and federal policies impacted nursing practice in the context of technology, care coordination, and community resources?

• Changes in policies, such as telehealth reimbursement, have influenced the scope of nursing practice and the way care is delivered.

10. How can nurses adapt to policy changes and ethical considerations to provide optimal patient care in an evolving healthcare landscape? – Nurses can adapt by staying informed about policy changes, advocating for ethical decision-making, and continually assessing and improving their practice in the context of healthcare technology, care coordination, and community resources.