DISCUSSION ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONSThe student must then post replies of at least 150 words but no more than 300 words.For each reply, students must demonstrate course-related knowledge and demonstrate a thoughtful analysis of the material. The students must support their assertions with a biblical integration or Christian world view, and at least 2 peer-reviewed scholarly sources in current APA format. Any sources cited, with the exception of the Bible, must have been published within the last five years. Each reply should be unique and not include repeated quotes and sentences from the thread or the other reply. Less than 25% of the thread or replies is to be directly quoted material.
Discussion Thread: Health Informatics, Theoretical Foundations,
Practice Evolution
Heather
According to G. Demiris (2016), Consumer Health Informatics (CHI) is a rapidly growing
domain within the field of biomedical and health informatics. The field was introduced with the
vision that one day patients will be in charge of their own health care using informatics tools and
systems. Scientific literature in the field originally focused on ways to assess the quality and
validity of available printed health information, only to grow significantly to cover diverse areas
such as online communities, social media, and shared decision-making (Demiris, G., 2016).
Concepts such as home telehealth, mHealth, and the quantified-self movement, tools to address
transparency of health care organizations, and personal health records and portals provided
significant milestones in the field. CHI experienced rapid growth in the past 25 years. One of the
earliest integrated consumer health informatics applications was the Comprehensive Health
Enhancement Support System (CHESS) developed by Gustafson and colleagues in 1989 at the
University of Wisconsin as a computer-based system of integrated services structured to help
individuals manage health crises or medical concerns. In recognition of the growth of scientific
studies in this domain, in 2008, the MeSH term Consumer Health Information was introduced,
defined as information intended for potential users of medical and healthcare services
(Demiris, G., 2016). The growth of CHI is also reflected in the emergence of curricular
informatics activities as well as patient education initiatives that all recognize the importance of
consumer-centered care and consumer empowerment. The notion of the patient being an active
participant in the health care process is no longer an unattainable goal but rather a reality in
many cases. As we embrace innovation and redesign systems and processes based on new IT
capabilities, we need to be cognizant of the fact that these new tools may further isolate those,
who have limited health literacy and/or limited access to technological resources, namely
underserved populations, widening the existing gap (Demiris, G. 2016). Inspired by Fergusons
original prediction for CHI and expanding on that vision, we predict that consumer informatics
tools of the future will serve as a personalized information source and decision aid to facilitate
tailored monitoring of wellness, disease prevention, and treatment for informed and engaged
consumers. CHI tools will facilitate continuity of care and can bridge clinical care, health
behavior change, information management and decision-making (Demiris, G., 2016). According
to Nelson, Ramona (2020), Nursing informatics is the nursing specialty that focuses on using the
tools and processes inherent in automation to achieve the goals of nursing. Computers are
excellent devices for managing the smallest of details, thereby supporting a safer, more efficient,
and more effective guality healthcare system. At the same time, they are able to manage
enormous databases of information and knowledge. But in the end – at the point of patient
outcome – what is important is the ability to apply these tools in helping patients, consumers,
families and communities (Nelson, R., 2020). The Data, Information, Knowledge and Wisdom
Model (DIKW Model) provides a theoretical framework for defining the scope of practice for
nursing informatics. One must always remember that the capabilities of computers (which are
always changing) do not define the scope of practice for nursing informatics; rather, it is how
nurses use these tools that define their practice. In turn, if we do not understand how nurses at all
levels of knowledge and experience use computers to support their practice, we cannot design
automated systems that truly support the goals of nursing (Nelson, R., 2020).
Ecclesiastes 3:1- “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under
Heaven.” Change is not always bad, God brings change in our lives because we need it
sometimes, and when that change is good it will help everyone around you also.
Demiris G. (2016). Consumer Health Informatics: Past, Present, and Future of a Rapidly
Evolving Domain. Yearbook of medical informatics, Suppl 1(Suppl 1), S42S47.
https://doi.org/10.15265/IYS-2016-s005
Nelson, Ramona, PhD, BCRN,A.N.E.F., F.A.A.N. (2020). Informatics: Evolution of the Nelson
Data, Information, Knowledge and Wisdom Model: Part 2. Online Journal of Issues in
Nursing, 25(3), 14.
https://doi.org/10.3912/OJIN.Vol25No03Inf°Col01
Openbible.info
Ashley
Improved patient safety is just one of the many reasons why the study of health
informatics is imperative for all healthcare professionals (Nelson & Staggers, 2018). Health
informatics started out as an idea that if medical professionals remained in the know of all their
patients, then less mistakes referred to as adverse events (AEs) would occur with patient care.
This turned into a discipline when it was realized that a remedy to this was accurate knowledge
about a patients chart. And what was the best way to have the most up to date information about
a patient? Electronic Health Records. With the quick adaptation of EHRs, medical professionals
are as up to date on their current patients medical records, therefore they can provide the best
medical treatment available. Competent, compassionate healthcare depends on healthcare
providers who understand and can maximize their use of health information technology (IT) and
informatics knowledge in providing care to patients (Nelson & Staggers, 2018).
The use of Health Informatics has grown significantly in the medical field. Other
professional groups and accrediting agencies are now including an informatics-related
requirement. For example, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) developed
a group of documents titled the Essentials Series (Nelson & Staggers, 2018). Its apparent that
the evolution of Health Informatics coincides with the development of technologies. From 1995
to present, development of medical informatics cannot be separated from development of
computer technologies. With regard to this, we have to emphasize the fact once again, that the
area of the medical informatics significantly grows wider than just the application of electronic
computers, although the technical development of microprocessor and telecommunication
technologies are significantly influenced by the development of the medical informatics and
cannot be imagined without electronic computers (Masic, 2014). As Christians, we must
remember that all knowledge gained from technologies, still come from God. For the Lord
gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:6).
References
Masic, I. (2014). Five Periods in Development of Medical Informatics. Acta informatica medica
: AIM : journal of the Society for Medical Informatics of Bosnia & Herzegovina, 22(1), 44-48.
Retrieved from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3947939/#:~:text=Development%20of%20Medi
cal%20informatics%20started,all%20scientific%20biomedical%20fields%20and
Nelson, R., & Staggers, N. (2018). Health Informatics: An Interprofessional Approach, 2nd Ed. .
St. Louis, MO.: Elsevier Inc.
The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV). (1973, 1978, 1984, 2011). Biblica, Inc. .
Discussion Thread: Introduction to Healthcare Financial
Management
Christopher
The governmental health organization I chose is the U.S. Department of Health and Human
services. Cleverley and Cleverley (2018) explain, Governmental HCOs are public corporations,
typically owned by a state or local government. They are operated for the benefit of the
communities they serve (p. 9). It is likely that an uninsured patient may be eligible for some
governmental programs, including Medicaid and Medicare programs. The Dept. of health and
human services include public health and human services. Public health includes COVID-19
immunizations, smoking cessation, nutrition, and/or HIV/AIDS prevention. Human services
include centers for early education from Head Start programs, the guidelines for poverty,
adoption and foster care, and child care. Public health care embodies all of the previous
programs and includes Medicaid and Medicare. God has many verses in the Bible about taking
care of ourselves, and I believe this means letting the doctors help us. In Isaiah, Jesus says, So
do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and
help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Verse 41:10).
Each participating state is entitled to payments up to a federally approved percentage of state
expenditures, and there is no limit on total payments to any state. Medicaid, codified under Title
XIX of the Social Security Act, provides federal financial assistance to states operating approved
medical-assistance plans (Rosenbaum, 2002, p. 1). Payments are calculated according to a
federal formula linked to state revenue and range from 50 percent to over 80 percent of approved
state medical expenditures. The HIPAA administrative simplification provisions directs the
Secretary of Health and Human Services to adopt standards for administrative transactions, code
sets, and identifiers as well as standards for protecting the security and privacy of health data
(Cleverley & Cleverley, 2018, p. 25).
Medicare is the United States’ federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older.
Persons under the age of 65 who have permanent disabilities or end-stage renal disease are also
eligible. The program provides a guaranteed set of benefits to all who meet basic eligibility
requirements, regardless of prior medical history, preexisting conditions, personal assets, or
income. There are four parts to the Medicare program (Daaleman, 2015, p. 1). Part A pays for
inpatient care in hospitals and hospice services. Part B helps cover doctor visits, mental health
and outpatient hospital care. Medicare Advantage or Part C is a program that allows beneficiaries
to be covered by private, commercial health plans as the insurance carrier that provides Medicare
benefits. Medicare Part D pays for prescription drug coverage.
Cleverley, W. O., & Cleverley, J. O. (2018). Essentials of health care finance (8th ed.).
Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett.
Daaleman, T.P. (2015). Medicare. In The Encyclopedia of Adulthood and Aging, S.K.
Whitbourne (Ed.). https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1002/9781118521373.wbeaa205
New International Version Bible. (2008). Oxford University Press. (Original work published
1769)
Rosenbaum, S., J.D. (2002). Medicaid. The New England Journal of Medicine, 346(8), 635-40.
http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fscholarlyjournals%2Fmedicaid%2Fdocview%2F223937422%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D12085
Elli
According to the textbook, Essentials of Health Care Finance, In health care, there are three
main types organizations (Cleverley, 2017). These three types of organizations are: not-forprofit, for-profit, and governmental healthcare organizations. In this discussion post, I will be
discussing the differences between not-for-profit and for-profit health care organizations.
Not-for-profit organizations do not make any outside profit other than for the business.
According to an article published by the U.S. Chamber, A not-for-profit organization (NFPO) is
one that does not earn profit for its owners. All money earned through pursuing business
activities or through donations goes right back into running the organization (Heaslip, 2020).
This is not to be confused with non-profit. Non-profit would be an organization that runs for the
public good and does not make any type of money for the business or anyone that is involved.
On the other hand, for-profit organizations do make outside profit and the goal is to make money
off the business. The U.S. Chamber defines for-profit organizations as, A for-profit organization
is one that operates with the goal of making money. Most businesses are for-profits that serve
their customers by selling a product or service. The business owner earns an income from the
for-profit and may also pay shareholders and investors from the profits (Heaslip, 2020).
While one would think for-profit has more perks, as there is no limit to the money that comes in,
there are also downfalls of this type of organization. An article written by Nick Price published
on Board Effect, states, The first thing that comes to mind when comparing any for-profit entity
with any not-for-profit entity is that for-profit corporations have to pay property and income
taxes, which cuts into their profit margins (Price, 2018). Opposed to the for-profit organization,
not-for-profit organizations are tax exempt from property and income taxes.
There are pros and cons with both the for-profit and the not-for-profit organizations. There are
countless organizations of both kinds that are thriving and provide great care for the public. In all
things, it is important that the motive behind the means of making money is of good intention.
Matthew 6:19-21 says, Dont store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust
destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves dont break in and steal. For where your
treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:19-21 CSB). Instead of chasing money and
worldly treasures, working in healthcare to better serve the people and mostly our Savior in
heaven is where the treasure really is.
References:
Cleverley, W. O. (2017). Essentials of Health Care Finance (8th Edition). Jones & Bartlett
Learning. https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/books/9781284142808
Heaslip, E. (2020, March 30). Nonprofit, not-for profit & for-profit organizations explained.
https://www.uschamber.com/co. Retrieved May 6, 2022, from
https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/strategy/nonprofit-vs-not-for-profit-vs-for-profit
Holman Bible Publishers. (2017). She reads truth bible. Matthew 6:19-21 CSB
Price, N. (2019, January 4). For-profit healthcare vs. not-for-profit healthcare organizations.
BoardEffect. Retrieved May 6, 2022, from https://www.boardeffect.com/blog/for-profit-vs-notfor-profit-healthcare/
Discussion Thread: Current and Future Trends
Alesha
Human resources management is a very important function within each and every single health
organization. Without it, many companies would struggle in retaining and recruiting its
employees, improving, and enhancing the companys mission, vision, and values, lastly, the
culture and the environment wouldnt strive (at least in a healthy way). Human resource
management is truly the heart of a health organization. Our textbook defines human resource
management (HRM) as, a system of activities and strategies that focus on successfully
managing employees at all levels of an organization to achieve organizational goals (Niles,
2020, p. 3).
A common struggle, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic was staff shortages which in all
leads to patient dissatisfaction in care. Many times, when there are not enough personnel
available to complete job tasks, it creates frustration to many employees within that one
workplace. When staff shortages are present, the current staff tends to get burnt out much
quicker due to overworking, which will cause even frustration from the patients. When it comes
to health care, the main goal is to provide the best quality of care for patients and when issues as
such arise, it defeats the purpose. Employee dissatisfaction that results from staff shortage
problems reduces nurses and physicians willingness to focus on the socioemotional aspects of
care, such as warmth and support of high courtesy in treating patients, which in turn results in
lower levels of patient satisfaction (Oppel, 2017).
To prevent burnout, fatigue, and psychological stress due to staff shortages its vital to remember
the reason what the job is for, what keeps one moving forward every day and how can you create
a happier environment to gain new employees. There are many ties that go along with recruiting
staff members, but a key importance is Learning with the overall development of an employee to
create a striving workforce. Initiating useful, interactive, and beneficial training can go a long
way. Further human resources initiatives are required in many health care systems, and more
extensive research must be conducted to bring about new human resources policies and practice
that will benefit individuals around the world (Kabene et al., 2006).
When you find others that inspire you it truly allows you to lend a hand to others as well.
Matthew 5:42 teaches, Give to those who ask, and dont refuse those who wish to borrow from
you (The Holy Bible, ESV, 2001). It is not always easy to give to others. Sometimes, you would
much rather keep your energy to yourself to get what you need to get done. This verse important
as it is a simple reminder to be openhearted even when times are extremely difficult.
References
Kabene, S., Orchard, C., Howard, J., Soriano., Leduc, R. (2006). The Importance of Human
Resources Management in Health Care: A Global Context. https://doi.org/10.1186/1478-4491-420
Niles, N. J. (2020). Basic Concepts of Health Care Human Resource Management. Jones &
Bartlett Learning. (p. 3). Retrieved from
https://www.jblearning.com/catalog/productdetails/9781284149463
Oppel, E., Winter, V., & Schreyögg, J. (2017). Evaluating the link between human resource
management decisions and patient satisfaction with quality of care. Health Care Management
Review, 42(1), 53-64. https://doi.org/10.1097/HMR.0000000000000087
The Holy Bible. English Standard Version (ESV). (2001). Crossway
Wesley
Thursday May 12 at 10:05pm
In the ever-changing world of healthcare, it is important to have a strong Human Resources
Department. Human Resources (HR) plays a pivotal role in the recruitment and retention of
employees as they help to navigate issues that the employee may have, as well as their benefits
packages. Typically, the HR department establishes a partnership with organizational
management regardless of the organizational type (Niles, 2019, p. 7). One recent phenomenon
that has been plaguing healthcare is the lack of staffed caregivers. This phenomenon has been
greatly fueled by caregivers leaving their permeant positions to take travelling positions that pay
several times what they could make on staff at a facility. An article has stated that, over the past
2 years, in tandem with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, an interesting professional
choice phenomenon occurred… Nurses’ decisions to incorporate travel nursing into their career
paths created a shift in the US nurse staffing landscape (Hansen, Tuttas, 2022, p. 145). This
shift has essentially created a vacuum where hospitals are severely understaffed and have to
continue upping the amounts that they pay for a travel nurse contract simply to meet the patient
care needs that exist.
Another issue that exists due to the increase in travel nurses is the continuity of care. This is due
to the fact that travel nurses are not oriented nearly to the degree they should be in order to really
give the care that is needed. Every hospital is different and has different parameters to operate
within, as well as different equipment. Hospitals should provide an onboarding adequate to
prepare (Travel RNs) TRNs for safe patient care within the parameters of the hospital policies
and procedures and nursing work environment (Bethel, et. al., 2019). There are, however,
measures hospitals could take to ensure their staffing needs are met when it comes to nurses.
There is a great shortage of nurses within the United States at this time, and this shortage is
projected to continue to grow over the coming years. Years ago, hospitals had nursing schools
held within the confines of the hospitals themselves. If hospitals were to start these nursing
schools back up, then they could offer admissions at a discounted rate for those who would sign
a contract promising a set number of years service to the organization. This is not a perfect plan,
but it could definitely help to mitigate the issues. HR would be directly involved in this process
as they helped to present the nursing schools as an appealing alternative to traditional colleges
that would have a built-in guarantee of a position with great benefits. The Bible says, be ye
strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded (King James
Version, 2 Chronicles 15:7). If people realized how rewarding a career as a nurse can be, then I
believe more people would go into the profession.
References:
Bethel, C., Olson, S., Bay, C., Uyeda, T., & Johnson, K. (2019). Travel nurse onboarding:
Current trends and identified needs. The Journal of Nursing Administration, 49(9), 436-440.
https://doi.org/10.1097/NNA.0000000000000781
Hansen, A., & Tuttas, C. (2022). Professional choice 2020-2021: Travel nursing turns the tide.
Nurse Leader, 20(2), 145-151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mnl.2021.12.018
Niles, N. J. (2019). Basic Concepts of Health Care Human Resource Management (2nd Edition).
Jones & Bartlett Learning. https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/books/9781284194425
The Holy Bible: King James Version. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 1998.
Discussion Thread: Quantitative and Qualitative Research
Rebecca
The main difference between quantitative and qualitative research is quantitative research
involves numbers, whereas qualitative research involves descriptions via words. As stated in our
textbook Evidence-Based Practice: An Integrative Approach to Research, Administration, and
Practice by Heather Hall and Linda Roussel (2022) Quantitative research methods involve
collecting numerical data to explain, predict, and/or control phenomena of interest (Hall, 2022,
pg. 4). While qualitative research focuses on describing action with words rather than measuring
it with numbers, quantitative research focuses on using numbers to measure and then looking at
the results. In an article written by Lissie Hoover from Grand Canyon University (2021), the
author states that Within a healthcare setting, qualitative research can aim to identify what
matters most to patients and how their experience can be improved. Improving patient care must
be an ongoing goal among health service providers (Hoover, 2021, para. 2). While qualitative
research takes opinions and advice from patients, it helps pave the way for an improved
experience for future people who are hospitalized. An example would be for the hospitals to be
more updated with technology like the hospitals around them, multiple complaints would lead to
a change in the floors. With the updated technology and rooms, patients and people working for
the hospital would be happier, and it gives the chance for change and growth within the hospital.
An example of quantitative research is the number of people who currently have type 2 diabetes
in the United States. Quantitative research involves numbers, and collecting data from all
different areas of the United States would allow researchers to figure out how many people are
currently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and if it is increasing or decreasing in numbers. A
dependent variable is a variable that is being tested during a scientific experiment. An
independent variable is a variable that will be changed during the experiment or is controlled
while completing the experiment. In an article written by Todd Helmenstine (2022) the author
states that The independent and dependent variables may be viewed in terms of cause and
effect. If the independent variable is changed, then an effect is seen in the dependent variable.
Remember, the values of both variables may change in an experiment and are recorded
(Helmenstine, 2022, para. 8). The independent variable value is always controlled by the person
doing the experiment, where the dependent variable will only change based on the independent
variable changing. Proverbs 19:2 states Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever
makes haste with his feet misses his way (Barker, 2020).
References:
Barker, K. L. (2020). Niv study bible. Zondervan.
Hall, H. R., & Roussel, L. A. (2022). Evidence-Based Practice: An Integrative Approach to
Research, Administration, and Practice (3rd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Helmenstine, T. (2022, March 2). Understand the difference between independent and dependent
variables. ThoughtCo. Retrieved May 9, 2022, from https://www.thoughtco.com/independentand-dependent-variables-differences-606115
Hoover, L. (2021, June 30). Why qualitative research in healthcare is important. GCU.
Retrieved May 9, 2022, from https://www.gcu.edu/blog/doctoral-journey/why-qualitativeresearch-healthcare-important
Courtney
Quantitative research deals with numbers and statistics, while qualitative research deals with
words and meanings (Streefkerk, 2022).
Quantitative research deals with the numerical and more hands-on portion of research, such as
labs or experiments and surveys with closed-ended questions. Qualitative research deals with
more on the literature side of things, such as experiments and observations being described and
written in words and having interviews with open-ended questions. Qualitative research also has
five different methods, the different types are, phenomenology, ethnography, historical research,
grounded theory, and case study. Within the healthcare setting, a few examples of quantitative
research would be recording things such as age, weight, temperature, etc. An example of
qualitative research within the healthcare setting would be interviewing individuals on how they
feel regarding taking certain medications, such as blood pressure medication or antidepressants.
Another example of qualitative research is stated in the textbook, Neufeld, Harrison, Hughes,
and Stewart (2007) conducted an ethnographic research study to identify interactions that were
nonsupportive among 59 women who were caregivers in diverse circumstances. (Hall &
Roussell, 2021). Proverbs 16:3 states Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be
established. This is relevant to this topic because we all must put forth our best efforts but we
can always rely on God, even in tough times. An example to me, regarding this is such as if you
are unsure of how to respond to interview questions and things.
The independent variable is the cause. Its value is independent of other variables in your study.
The dependent variable is the effect. Its value depends on changes in the independent variable.
(Bhandari, 2022). The independent and dependent variables go hand-in-hand with eachother. As
stated in the quote above, the dependent variable is just that, dependent on what happens with the
independent variable. Without the independent variable, the dependent variable will be lost and
unsure of what to do next, it cannot survive without the independent variable.
References:
93 Bible verses about research methods. What Does the Bible Say About Research Methods?
(n.d.). https://www.openbible.info/topics/research_methods
Bhandari, P. (2022, February 18). Independent and dependent variables. Scribbr. from
Hall, H.R & Roussell, L.A. (2022) Evidence-Based Practice. An Integrative Approach to
Research, Administration, and Practice. Jones & Bartlett Learning
Streefkerk, R. (2022, February 7). Qualitative vs. quantitative research. Scribbr. from
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