NR 361 Week 5 Discussion

NR 361 Week 5 Discussion

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-361: RN Information Systems in Healthcare

Prof. Name

Date

Trends in Informatics

One of the most significant trends in healthcare today is the integration of technology into the provision of care. Various technological innovations such as telehealth, nanotechnology, and consumer health informatics (CHI) have transformed the way healthcare is delivered and accessed. Telehealth, in particular, has emerged as a crucial tool in the healthcare landscape. The ability to provide healthcare services remotely through telecommunications and electronic information exchange is invaluable, especially for patients in underserved or rural areas. The increasing use of telehealth has raised important questions about its legal, privacy, and ethical implications for both healthcare providers and patients. Understanding these trends and their potential impact on nursing practice is essential for ensuring quality care in the rapidly evolving healthcare environment.

I have chosen to discuss telehealth as a trend in healthcare because it is something I have seen utilized firsthand. According to Hebda and Czar (2012), telehealth involves using telecommunications technologies and electronic information to exchange healthcare information and provide clinical services to clients over long distances. This trend has the potential to significantly improve access to healthcare, especially for those who live in remote areas or face economic or social barriers to accessing care.

NR 361 Week 5 Discussion

For example, individuals with chronic illnesses or acute conditions who reside far from healthcare facilities can receive home care, monitoring, and education for self-management through telehealth technologies (Bartz, 2014). I live in a rural area with limited access to healthcare facilities—our nearest hospital is 40 to 50 miles away, and it lacks specialized care options. However, through telehealth, our local hospital has been able to connect with specialists at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) to provide patients with access to the care they need. This technology allows us to overcome geographic barriers and deliver timely, specialized healthcare to our community.

In addition to the benefits of telehealth, it is essential to consider the legal, privacy, and ethical issues associated with this trend. Telehealth requires secure communication channels to protect patient data and ensure confidentiality. Nurses and healthcare providers must adhere to legal regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), to safeguard patient privacy. Furthermore, ethical considerations include ensuring equitable access to telehealth services and addressing potential disparities in technology use among different populations. Despite these challenges, telehealth has proven to be a valuable tool for improving healthcare access and outcomes, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

References

Bartz, C. C. (2014). Leadership strategies for improved nursing synergy between informatics and telehealth. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 201, 227-232.

NR 361 Week 5 Discussion

Hebda, T. L., & Czar, P. (2012). Handbook of Informatics for Nurses & Healthcare Professionals (5th ed.).