I never really thought about technology’s role in health care until I began this course. I knew that nurses used the computer for documentation, but never really considered the abundant technology within the hospital setting. Almost everything is computerized. Nurses use computerized glucometers and patient beds, have robots referred to as “tugs” transporting the medications from the pharmacy to various floors, scan patient’s bracelets often and use a barcoding system for safe medication administration etc.
When I first heard of the title of the course, “Digital and Information Literacy,” I believed both terms to be one in the same. I was surprised to learn my very first week in the course that they are two different terms. Information literacy
…show more content…
We first read numerous journal articles on a particular topic and then we would access multimedia presentations about the topic. Many of the sources were from peer reviewed journals dated within the last five years. We were also encouraged to seek out and cite additional accurate sources in order to enhance our discussions and provide a unique perspective. Students learned from each other in the online community by reading and responding to other students’ posts. We also learned about digital citizenship in the course and applied this knowledge to our interactions within the online community. We were respectful of other’s contributions, thoughts or ideas and determined the importance of using standardized terms to express ourselves. In order to make our ideas comprehensible to everyone, we were to avoid the use of slang and informal text language. Focusing on a universal language in the online community helped to convey the importance of using standardized terms in the health care setting. In a computerized world without the ability for expressions, gestures, or explanations and with the increasing number of people coming into the United States from differing nationalities and backgrounds, it is crucial the we have a common language to avoid …show more content…
Many schools are not adequately preparing students in regards to information literacy and digital literacy. This is unfortunate, as many institutions are seeking out and preferring to hire BSN students due to their knowledge of informatics.
There are so many technological advances already in the health care field and more are expected in the coming years. Telehealth, or the ability for a physician to have a consult with a patient in a remote location via computer is a growing field. I learned a lot about this subject as it was the topic for my Power Point presentation for this course. I used information from current journals to support my ideas and even incorporated audio, visual media, and hyperlinks into my presentation.
Advances in nanotechnology, wearable computer devices, apps for smartphones etc. are just some of the technology that will revolutionize health care. However, with technology comes potential risks to patient safety, privacy, and confidentiality. Weaknesses must be considered in the system in order to prevent HIPPA violations, cyberterrorist threats, or hackers that may alter patient information (Katona,
Jones-Kavalier, B. R., & Flannigan, S. I. (2008). Connecting the digital dots: Literacy of the 21st
Nursing is a field that has several diverse options. These options include, bedside nursing, administration, education, case management, forensics, and numerous other possibilities. A new field of nursing has emerged, nursing informatics. Nursing informatics (NI) is defined by the American Nurses Association (2008) as a specialty that “integrates nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice.” Simply defined, nurses are using the combination of technology and nursing knowledge to care for patients and improving outcomes. Nurses are doing this by collecting data, converting that into information, and then into knowledge, where it then can be applied to their critical thinking skills to better care for their patient (Finkalman & Kenner, 2013)
However, think about the evolution of literacy and the different ways in which children and people learn and retrieve information; this definition could also include interaction with the digital text. There is a wide range as to what counts as literacy such as blogging, social networking, emailing, digital storytelling, online chats and even shopping online just to name a few. Not everyone will agree with what counts as literacy, but if students are not enlightened on the many aspects of what could make them valuable assets in the future; that would be negligent. In Rich’s article digital literacy is being discussed which is the topic this response will focus on. Learning is not restricted only to the classroom. Just like books, the Internet can take you places, on advantages without having to leave home. Digital literacy can be beneficial with the proper guidance of teachers, educators and
Telehealth allows a lower-level healthcare practitioner to communicate with a physician or specialist when necessary. Remote rural areas use a Physician Assistant or a Nurse Practitioner on location in remote areas. When procedures call for a physician, an internet or satellite link provides a teleconference with a physician who can prescribe appropriate treatment (Gangon, Duplantie, Fortin & Landry 2006). This could be implemented in lower income urban areas, allowing free clinics to lower costs, and require fewer physicians. Programs that increase the level of healthcare available to school children could be increased.
Telemedicine is a new comer to the field of medicine and it is the treatment of patients by means of telecommunications technology. Telemedicine is carried out in a variety of ways whether it is by smart phone, wireless tools or other forms of telecommunications. Examples of telemedicine include: 1) transmission of medical images 2) care services at the home of the patient 3) Diagnosis at distance 4) education and training of patients. The diversity of practices in what is known as telemedicine raises many questions and one of those questions, which is extremely important, relate to the safety of the practice and the risks involved.
According to the author, nursing practice needs to stay current with technological advances while keeping its identity as a patient focused profession. Nurses use technology to improve care from a patient?s perspective, both in quality of care and cost. At the same time, nurses must learn to balance technological knowledge with personal skills, thus providing optimum clinical care while maintaining a person-focused relationship with the patient.
The Australian National curriculum: Digital Technologies provides students with the opportunity to engage in selecting and managing data, information and processes, and digital systems. Digital Technologies when correctly implemented fosters curiosity and creative thinking to help students meet the current and future needs of the world (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, 2012). With the combined curriculum between foundation and year two, our activities enhance their knowledge of the key content descriptors (Knowledge and Understanding, and Process and Production skills). Through the unit, students work to develop their understanding of common digital systems and patterns seen in the data they collected. Students will
Telehealth is the provision of Healthcare services through diverse technological methods from a distance (Hill & Miller, 2012). Clinicians can converse with patients through a myriad of options such as videoconferencing and email.
Introduction Telehealth or telemedicine refers to the delivery of health services by telecommunication technologies, such as the telephone, videophone, and computer, by healthcare professionals.1 Information and communication technologies are used for the exchange of information in order to diagnose, treat, prevent diseases and injuries, research and education of the healthcare providers.2. Telemedicine is the use of electronic communications and information technologies to provide clinical services when both the patient and healthcare providers are at different locations.3 A similar term Telehealth, comprises a broader application of technologies to distance education, consumer outreach, and other applications.3 There are three primary types
Health care has its own challenges. Access to health care is limited for some people, the rising cost of healthcare, and limited resources causing low quality of patient care are some of the very important contemporary health care issues we have today. Health Care Administrators should explore the use of telemedicine technologies to help combat these challenges. [← What is the impact of combatting the challenges of healthcare? Briefly explaining the impact lets readers see the importance of health care administrators exploring the use of telemedicine
Technology is stated as the scientific method and material used to achieve a commercial or industrial objective. To go one step further, nursing technology is using a tool to advance nursing practice. “The Institute of medicine identified that technology as a viable method of enhancing patient care delivery and improving staff productivity” Sensmeier, Horowitz (2003 page). Because inadequate nursing staff causes shortcuts to be taken, there are mistakes made that could have possibly been prevented. Errors by nursing staff were variously reported as being responsible for between 44,000 and 98,000 hospital deaths per year. Sensmeier, Horowitz (2003). Technology can have a large impact on nursing. In the past 5 to 10 years, computerized patient records have increased less than 10%. This number shows us that we are still not embracing technology to its full potential. Today in most hospital systems computerized electronic charting is being used. Many hospitals have many different systems for...
Information Systems/Technology and patient care technology for the improvement and transformation of health care is an important part of the DNP. Technology has transformed every aspect of human life in positive ways. Technology brought efficiency and improved healthcare deliverance system. Healthcare technologies enabled practitioners to better understand disease process and how to implement best treatment plan. DNP programs across the country embrace information systems and technology in their nursing curriculum because, it prepares nursing students to be innovative and deliver best care (AACN, 2006). DNP graduates must have the ability to use technology to analyze and disseminate critical information to find solutions that
The idea of telemedicine is not new. In fact, when we get sick we often pick up the phone and discuss our conditions and possible treatments with our health care providers through the telephone. When there is an accident we dial 911 to obtain emergency assistance. These are just a few simple examples of applications of telemedicine. With advancements in technology, the new era of telemedicine will allow the patients and doctors to actually communicate both verbally as before but also visually. Telemedicine is broadly defined as "the use of electronic information and communications technologies to provide and support health care when distance separates the participants".5 This technology has allowed people in underprivileged communities, rural areas, and geographically isolated locations to receive quality health care. However, the application of telemedicine is not limited to these regions. This tool will allow schools, hospitals, and other health care arenas to receive specialty care when needed.
Technology and innovation have transformed the way people function personally and professionally. In the past, writing and mailing a letter was standard but now most people send electronic messages and text messages to phones. Healthcare has been changing tremendously as well, not only are paper charts and records becoming obsolete, but now many facilities are sharing test results, visit information details, and prescribed drug lists. This move into the digital age has helped improve healthcare by cutting costs in the long-term, increasing efficiency with decreased wait times, and reducing medical errors. This evolving technology expansion, commonly referred to as nursing informatics has created many opportunities for nursing professionals with information technology experience to move into this growing field.
Vision Statement: My vision is to ensure that every student gains the acceptable knowledge to understand and learn the concepts of what education has to offer. Within this context I perceive integrating technology as a tool that will expand learning abilities. Therefore, my vision is to provide instructional technology skills into the curriculum. As a follower of the 21st Century Framework I will set into the standards of education the 21st Century themes, the mastery of core subjects, learning and innovation skills, information media and technology skills along with life and career skills to ensure that every student masters these skills. Stimulating an academic environment that is dedicated to support and enhance student’s commitment to today’s digital world will promote success.