Clinical Information Sites, Wearable Devices, and other Technologies

Technology is all around us. Patients have access to and are using many of these technologies, but many are not necessarily tech-savvy or are unfamiliar with the integrity of these technologies. A patient comes to you with some of these technologies and indicates that they are aware of clinical information from a less than reputable site or their fitbit record shows normal vital signs which makes them rely on the technology versus the clinicians advise. 

1) How do you respond without antagonizing the patient? 

2) What will be your role and approach when faced with these circumstances or other circumstances that not fully informed or that is overly dependent on technology.

When deciding to enter a Master’s program inevitably, I knew it had to be an online course. The advantage of going to school online while being able to work full time was a significant precursor in deciding to go back. The convenience and flexibility offered in online courses are un-matched, with most learners being full-time workers and parents (Kauffman, 2015). With there being so many appealing attributes, online learning is growing at a rapid rate (Kauffman, 2015). In 2010, over 6.5 million people were taking at least one online course (Kauffman, 2015).

While there are many positive aspects of online learning, there are a few negatives to take into consideration, as well. When choosing an online course, you lack face-to-face interaction with peers and instructors (Kauffman, 2015). The lack of interaction was the biggest concern I had when entering this course. Not being able to have your questions answered right away as you would in a physical classroom is an example. However, the communication between Walden staff in all of my classes so far has been excellent. My academic advisor and all of the teachers have been quick to respond and answer and questions. They always ensure I understand what is being asked of me when they submit the reply.

The second biggest concern I have is finding clinical sites for my practicum courses in the MSN program. I live in a city that is saturated with Nurse Practitioner students, and that makes finding clinical sites difficult. Working with my academic advisor this week, I have nailed down the exact dates I will need practicum to ensure I have a deadline.  According to Online Colleges (n.d.), one of the traits of a successful online learner is self-direction and self-efficiency. Taking the initiative, utilizing resources, and staying on schedule fall under this category (Online Colleges (n.d.). Previously, in my BSN program, we also had a practicum in the last quarter. During that time, I failed to utilize my resources and exercise self-direction and efficiency and didn’t meet the deadline for my practicum applications. By failing to meet the practicum deadline, I delayed one of my courses for six weeks, ultimately putting me behind. Although this was an inconvenience, it was a learning experience for me on time management and self- direction with online learning.

The third and final concern I had was writing Master’s level papers and discussions. The Writing Center was beneficial while obtaining my Bachelor’s Degree, and I will continue to utilize it as a resource to earn my MSN. With options such as help with writing, grammar and composition, APA format, and scholarly writing, you are provided an abundance of tools to ensure success (Walden University Writing Center, 2019).

In conclusion, I have many resources available to me on a professional and academic level. Whether it be my academic advisor, the writing center, a mentor, or colleague in addition to personal discipline and accountability makes me prepared to take MSN courses.  

Healthcare Fraud is a dishonest act committed by a healthcare professional in order to receive additional compensation for medical services. Healthcare fraud comes in many forms, such as unbundling, upcoding, billing for services that never happened, or falsifying documents. Once discovered, the fraudulent person is quickly arrested, but their actions negatively affects the reputation and brand of the healthcare organization. 

During this activity, you will be writing a 2-3 page paper. To start with, you must review the link below and find a “real life” healthcare fraud case. After locating a case, please research the organization that was affected by the situation. Next, please create a SWOT analysis, which you will describe in paragraph form in your paper, which identifies challenges and opportunities that the organization will face while rebuilding their image.

Healthcare Fraud

https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/enforcement/criminal/

“Bariatric Info Session: Tuesday at 7:00 PM.” Gabby looked at the flyer in her physician’s waiting room, wondering if this would be the week that she would muster the courage to get more information about gastric bypass surgery.  Her doctor had been telling her for two years that her elevated BMI, combined with the fact that she had type 2 diabetes, would qualify her for insurance coverage if she decided to have the operation.  But surgery seemed so drastic and irreversible.  She had recently been motivated by a TV feature about a local woman’s weight-loss success story but then her coworker Tim told her that his cousin gained all of his weight back just a few years post-op.

Gabby felt ashamed that she hand’t been able to lose much weight on her own through diet and exercise, despite having worked with a personal trainer and registered dietitian.  Her doctor had told her that part of the bariatric evaluation consisted of meeting with a psychologist to make sure that she would be a good candidate for surgery.  She didn’t like the idea of talking to someone about her feelings, especially regarding the complicated role that food had always played in her life.  And what about the strict diet she would have to follow in the weeks post-surgery-and the changes in eating habits she would need to maintain for the rest of her life?  Gabby had already failed at so many diets that she didn’t know if she would have the willpower necessary to succeed.  And yet her weight was a constant source of worry when she thought about her future. 

Please answer the following questions in your discussion post:

1) If her weight wasn’t causing any health problems currently, should she still consider surgery?

2) Why must patients follow a very strict diet post-bariatric surgery?

3) What are some of the dangers or potential side effects of bariatric surgery?