Archive for March 6th, 2009

Word-Processing in Health Care

March 6, 2009

Word-Processing in Health Care. The use of the computer to create, edit, format and print text is word-processing. When using the computer to create documents you should save the information on a regular basis to prevent accidental loss of valuable information, and frustration at having to try and recreate that lost info. (As I’m know to have to done on occasions to numerous to mention). Some of the nice features in word processing is the spell check feature, but you have to be care full when using it, because the word maybe spelt correctly, but is not the correct word for that part of the document. So Proof reading is essential when creating documents. There are 2 ways to prepare the formatting for a document. One is to prepare the format first. The other is to type the text and format the document after. Creating merged documents is a nice way of creating personalized form letters for individual persons. Word can print a personalized copy for each person on that merged list. This saves time and having to type or write in individual names separately. It will also merge the name with a personalized envelope when the information is entered in the correct data source fields. Presentation graphics software programs are growing fast. Microsoft PowerPoint is one of the most common used. PowerPoint provides the user the ability to design, create and edit presentations; to create a professional looking presentation. These presentations can be presented to the target audience in a number of ways, as a slide show, as transparencies using computer screens, as a web page, as handouts or notes or even a work book. These presentation and be simple or very involved using animation. Word processing packages include a wide variety of fonts, and can create documents with limited graphics that can be used for presentation purposes. Spreadsheets can be very helpful with tracking inventory such as medical and stationery supplies, and equipment. This will give an indication on the usage and ordering habits of the different areas. This can also show the most popular or least used products and adjustment can be made to the stock supply and bulk ordering from suppliers. Spreadsheet can be used to make things such as budgeting, and task involving numeric calculations easier and more accurate. Word processing is used in the healthcare in online documentation. Patient clinical information and progress notes is typed and entered into the computer. A chart can be made from data collected on a patient’s weight to show his/her weight gain/loss activity over a period of time. Staff can use word-processing for patient/client summaries. These summary documents can be in the form of a power point presentation. Showing improvement or decline in the patient physical and or mental health using information collected, collated and evaluated in a slide and or handout presentation.

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Would it be helpful for nurses to have actual X-rays on the computer?

March 6, 2009

Currently physicians can pull up the actual x rays and ct scans on the computer but nurses can only pull up the report. Now I agree not all nurses can read X rays but in the ER, ICU and Recovery Room seasoned nurses can read basic films (chest x ray, bones for fractures, etc). I was taught this skill when I first trained in critical care. As a nurse I always appreciate the ability to look at a film and be able to see if my patient has fractured ribs, which would prepare me to understand the complications for this type of fracture. Or to see a pneumo following central line placement and have a chest tube set up at the bedside when the physician arrives. In the ER I can set up for a closed reduction if I have access to the films. Most of the time a nurse has more time to keep checking for results than do physicians. Additionally, printed reports are, in most cases, not downloaded into the computer system until long after the patient receives treatment. I am an advocate for electronic documentation and medical records however nursing education and the level of knowledge we have these days is under estimated. Yes, the radiologist reads the results and the physician orders the treatment but most nurses can anticipate what the treatment will be which in turn decreases both patient and physician wait time and decreases the risks associated with those wait times.

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Access to Healthcare Information From the Internet

March 6, 2009

If one of the goals of Health Informatics is to get information to the end user, than the Internet has to be the single most influential factor of the past decade. Most Americans now have easy access to the Internet. If not from a home based computer, many public agencies such as community libraries provide free computer and Internet access. With the exception of our very young and older citizens, most people in our country have basic computer skills awareness and can obtain information either directly or with minimal assistance. Internet based health information is extensive and includes topics such as basic first aid, illness prevention, health promotion, nutrition and specific information about most medical procedures. Physicians and other healthcare providers must now be willing to discuss what their patients have read in journals or on the Internet as well as what they see and hear on public broadcasts such as radio and television. This notion still does not bode well with some of the older physicians that I know. Yet, most of us have become well accustomed to such discussions and find them to be beneficial for both the patient and the healthcare professional. I frequently search the Internet regarding management of health issues for my family. Most recently, I searched the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) web site for the Community Associated Methicillin Resistant Staph Aureus (CA-MRSA) treatment algorithm. I emailed it for my sister to take to her physician who was treating her for shingles. Though resistant to do so, the physician did culture the lesion which ultimately came back with CA-MRSA and her treatment was changed. With the healthcare system being overburdened as it is today, we will all have to take more responsibility to research and educate ourselves regarding aspects of our own health. This is not a bad thing. Information can be empowering and promote positive change in healthy behavior. The Internet can also provide a source of networking and support for many chronic conditions. I personally use the Weight Watchers Internet site for assistance with healthy eating and weight management and find it very helpful. In the future, I am certain we will see more interactive health information functions such as remotely accessed physician visits. It will be exciting to witness the evolution of healthcare in relation to informatics and technology in the upcoming years.

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A thought about how databases will stand up to our healthcare needs

March 6, 2009

The past two healthcare systems I have worked for have gone to a system that will allow the providers with in the hospital to communicate with each other. Patient information can be shared from the office to the hospital and within the hospital between departments. Each healthcare system has actually acquired the same company to build their system. They feel that they have a say in what information is used and can also limit access to different individuals based on that individuals job position. With so much stealing of information that goes on within cyberspace, this does worry me. All systems are not foul proof. There are many individuals that spend countless hours trying to hack into systems in order to gain information. This is a problem for healthcare when we are supposed to be acting as patient advocates and keep our patients safe. This includes their private medical information.

 

 


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