As decisions are made to address changes in reimbursement in your work place, how are these changes shared with the nursing staff? What suggestions do you have that could increase nurses’ awareness of health care financing issues?

Submission Instructions:

• Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources. Your initial post is worth 8 points.

Read and watch the lecture resources & materials below early in the week to help you respond to the discussion questions and to complete your assignment(s).

Read

Mason, Gardner, Outlaw & O’Grady text:
Chapters 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20

Online Materials & Resources

1. Jamieson, S. A. (2015). Building economic value for professional nurses at the gateway to the health care system. Creative Nursing, 21(2), 85-91.
2. Buerhaus, P. I., Welton, J., & Rosenthal, M. (2010). Health care payment reform: Implications for nurses. Nursing Economics, 28(1), 49-51.
3. Mechanic, R. (2016). When new Medicare payment systems collide. New England Journal of Medicine, 374(18), 1706-1709.
4. Kowalski, K., Cherry, B. & Yoder-Wise, P. S. (2013). A conversation with Peter Buerhaus: Crucial ideas for the next decade of nursing leadership and administration research. Journal of Nursing Administration, 43(3), 127-129
5. Your assignment will be graded according to the grading rubric.

  

Healthcare Information Technology Trends

Throughout history, technological advancements have appeared for one purpose before finding applications elsewhere that lead to spikes in its usage and development. The internet, for example, was originally developed to share research before becoming a staple of work and entertainment. But technology—new and repurposed—will undoubtedly continue to be a driver of healthcare information. Informaticists often stay tuned to trends to monitor what the next new technology will be or how the next new idea for applying existing technology can benefit outcomes.

In this Discussion, you will reflect on your healthcare organization’s use of technology and offer a technology trend you observe in your environment.

To Prepare:

· Reflect on the Resources related to digital information tools and technologies.

· Consider your healthcare organization’s use of healthcare technologies to manage and distribute information.

· Reflect on current and potential future trends, such as use of social media and mobile applications/telehealth, Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled asset tracking, or expert systems/artificial intelligence, and how they may impact nursing practice and healthcare delivery.

By Day 3 of Week 6

Post a brief description of general healthcare technology trends, particularly related to data/information you have observed in use in your healthcare organization or nursing practice. Describe any potential challenges or risks that may be inherent in the technologies associated with these trends you described. Then, describe at least one potential benefit and one potential risk associated with data safety, legislation, and patient care for the technologies you described. Next, explain which healthcare technology trends you believe are most promising for impacting healthcare technology in nursing practice and explain why. Describe whether this promise will contribute to improvements in patient care outcomes, efficiencies, or data management. Be specific and provide examples.

Data Analysis Plan

For this section of your research proposal assignment, you will carefully design a plan for analyzing your quantitative data. Explain in detail how you will go about analyzing your data. Be sure to:

• Include definitions of all variables 
• Identify your null hypothesis and research hypothesis 
• Include the type of analysis to be conducted (correlation, t-test, confidence interval, regression, ANOVA, ANCOVA, etc.) 
• Explain why this type of analysis is most appropriate for your research 
• Identify the significance level (typically set to .05, but may be set to .01 or .10) 
• Explain what results you are looking for in your quantitative study (how will you know if you will accept or reject your null and research hypothesis?) 

APA formatting, references, and citations are required.

Your research project data analysis plan should be included as part of your final submission for your research proposal project in week 7 and your research proposal presentation in week 8. Use the feedback you receive from your instructor on your data analysis plan to modify and improve before submission of your final project in weeks 7 and 8.

Melissa Hinkhouse

The opioid crisis is a public health crisis that has been increasing and devastating lives for many years. Working as a Mental Health Registered Nurse I have seen many patients battle with addiction for one reason or another. Pharmacy companies told providers that pain relievers were not addictive, prescribers then prescribed them thinking they were safe and helping patients with pain. It was a sad when we learned, these medications had devastating consequences. I currently work both inpatient and outpatient and many of the life challenges don’t just end with the actual addiction.

According to The White House’s web page president trump declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency in October 2017. President Trumps plan is as follows: “Part 1 is reducing demand and over-prescription, including educating Americans about the dangers of opioid misuse. Part 2 is cutting down on the supply of illicit drugs by cracking down on the international and domestic drug supply chains that devastate American communities. Part 3 is helping those struggling with addiction through evidence-based treatment and recovery support services (The White House). I work for a Grant part time called RCORP, we have been assessing the needs of the Western Upper Peninsula for Opioid addiction services availability. We just completed phase one, the need’s assessment. This grant is funding by an organization. I mention this because though some of the prescribing laws have changed, why is a private organization having to fund this grant I work for. Why is the government not assisting in analyzation of rural access to treatment for opioid addiction treatment? I feel as though that is something Trump could assist in implanting. In the UP we have very few inpatient treatment facilities. We have two mental health inpatient facilities for short term hospitalizations. The shortage and access to care is simply not enough.

            President Obama initiated the grant program for at HHS for Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) which began in 2015 with 11 states receiving a total of $12 million. More states were added in fiscal 2016 and 2017; the 2017 pot is $26 million, and five new states will be added (Barlas, 2017). At the very end of President Obama’s tenure in 2016, Congress passed the 21st Century Cures Act, which allocated $1 billion over two years to enhance states’ response to the epidemic. The Cures Act set up a new grant program within the HHS called the State Targeted Response (STR) to the Opioid Crisis Grants. A little less than $500 million in new money in both fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2018, over and above $53 million in opioid grants from HHS in fiscal 2016, will be distributed to all states and territories based on the degree of their opioid addiction problem. The grants will provide support to states for increasing access to treatment, reducing unmet treatment need, and reducing opioid-related overdose deaths (Barlas,2017). I would have made it mandatory that all MAT patient must also see a LMSW for counseling on a regular basis to receive services. I am a firm believer that cognitive therapy assists the MAT process for better outcomes.

            During Presidents Bush’s term prescription drug abuse was still a concern, with Oxycontin being the primary medication of choice. The drug epidemic was more adolescent focused. President Bush issued The National Drug Control Strategy in 2006, the goal of the strategy is to reduce drug us. His plan had three chapters, each build on the previous: “The first chapter, Stopping Drug Use Before It Starts, outlines the Administration’s work to prevent the initia­tion of drug use. The second chapter, Healing America’s Drug Users, high­lights initiatives that treat drug users. The third chapter, Disrupting Drug Markets, outlines the Administration’s work at home and abroad to disrupt the availability of illicit drugs, through source country efforts, interdiction programs, and investigative operations. (The White House, 2006). Bush’s plan focused on the largest city, I understands funds are limited and large cities are often the gateway but being from a rural community I feel as though the drug issues we have are high. I would have asked he have small task forces for rural communities that branch of from his large city plan.

            The opioid crisis did not occur overnight; it will not be corrected overnight. But with excellent leadership, we can improve access to care and beginning offering people the services they need when they are ready to utilize them.  

References:

Barlas, S. (2017, September). U.S. and States Ramp Up Response to Opioid Crisis: Regulatory, Legislative, and Legal Tools Brought to Bear. P & T: a peer-reviewed journal for formulary management. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5565130/.

The United States Government. Ending America’s Opioid Crisis. The White House. https://www.whitehouse.gov/opioids/.

The White House (2006). Office of National Drug Control PolicyWashington,D.C.20503National Drug Control Strategy. Retrieved June 1, 2020, 2006, from: https://www.justice.gov/archive/olp/pdf/ndcs06.pdf.

Cindy Salbino RE: Discussion – Week 1

Discussion Board Post Wk1  

Cindy Salbino

   I come from an area in California that has a high drug addiction rate. We see patients come in on a nightly basis that are struggling with an addiction to some form of drug. Some are street drugs and some are prescription medication. It’s clear that there is a never ending battle with opioids in our country.

            George W. Bush announced on February 12, 2002 that his plan was to reduce the limitations of the supply of drug, by reducing the demand available to addicts and provide them with drug treatments that are compassionate and effective. Both of these steps are to be handled together and funded with a submitted budget to Congress of $19 billion to fight the war on drugs.  He then started an organization called Parents Drug Corps and called on parents across the nation to do their job by being responsible, tell their children they are loved and of course, not to do drugs (U.S. Dept. of State Archives, 2002).  I absolutely agree with this strategy.  The fight starts at home. If our children had the family structure that it was intended to be, our country wouldn’t be faced with the incredible situation we are in now. George W. Bush is a God fearing man who has strong family ties and he absolutely believed the solution starts at home.

            When Barack Obama came along, opioid addiction was a national emergency already and despite the security of a solid funding plan, he enacted the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016.  This act increased naloxone’s availability, set up a medication prescription monitoring and tracking drug diversion program and also helped with teens and adults prevention and education needs (Arlotta, CJ, 2016,para 4).  The bill often referred to as CARA, didn’t hold well with groups such as the Coalition to Stop Opioid Overdose, because regarding funding, they believed that the bill didn’t go far enough.  It authorized $181 million in funding, yet Obama asked for more than $1 billion in funding (Arlotta, CJ, 2016, para 6). I personally think that while he may have had good intentions, it was a ‘too little, too late’ effort on his part. While I may have that opinion, I don’t know what I would have done differently since I do not have the skill set or the advisors that a president has access too. He may have done what he thought was the best move with the information he had available to him. Unfortunately for him, “the worst of the epidemic happened on his watch, with deaths rising 71% a year from 2013-2017 when it claimed 130 lives each day” (Dinan, S., 2019).

Donald Trump became president in 2017 and immediately began his initiative on drugs. His administration secured new funding in the amount of $6 billion over the next two years in order to fight drug abuse from opioids. It will also diminish or end the flow of drugs across the borders and within our own communities. His plan to increase education and awareness will reduce the drug demand with the help of more education. With the help of evidence-based treatments, and greater opportunities, the plan intends to save lives negatively affected by opioid addiction (President Bush announces drug control strategy, 2018)   Alex Azar, the secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services was quoted saying “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership and the hard work of so many Americans in local communities, Our country is seeing the first drop in overdose deaths in more than two decades, and lives are being saved” (HHS.gov, 2019). I agree with President Trump’s aggressive action against drug abuse. If you work your way slowly, it will have no effect. However if you obtain your target and go for it, you will have a better success rate at knocking out your objective.

 Everyone knows that this isn’t a quick fix and will take years and even decades before we can say we have won the war on drug abuse. I believe that everything the past presidency’s have done, have done them with the Americans at heart and every bit plays a part in our future success against drugs.

References:

President Bush announces drug control strategy (February 12, 2002).  U.S. Department of State Archive. Retrieved from https://2001-2009.state.gov/p/inl/rls/rm/8451.htm

Arlotta, CJ (2016, July 23). Obama signs opioid legislation, despite funding concerns. Forbes magazine. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/djarlotta/2016/07/23/Obama-signs-opioid=legislation-despite-funding-concerns/#3e7e5cae6806

Dinan, S. (2019, October). Washington Times.  Retrieved from https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/oct/1/Obama-administration-bungled-opioid-crisis-respons/

President Donald J. Trump’s initiative to stop opioid abuse and reduce drug supply and demand (2018). Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gove/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trump-initiative-stop-opioid-abuse-reduce-drug-supply-deman-2/

Trump administration announces $1.8 billion in funding to states to continue combating opioid crisis (2019, September 11). HHS.gov. Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2019/09/04/trump-administration-annunces-1-8-billion-funding-states-combating-opioid.html

 For this week’s discussion, you should focus on the vulnerable population group that you choose during Week 1 for your paper. Select one of the following topics and respond to the thread corresponding to the question/discussion, utilizing at least three scholarly references to support your post. As a class, please make sure that all topics are addressed. 

 Analyze how you could motivate the vulnerable population that you chose in Week 1 ( Transgender) to make changes What is your primary health concern for this group and what theory might you utilize to encourage them to make behavior changes? 

Grading Rubric

 

Discussion Question Rubric

Note: Scholarly resources are defined as evidence-based practice, peer-reviewed journals; textbook (do not rely solely on your textbook as a reference); and National Standard Guidelines. Review assignment instructions, as this will provide any additional requirements that are not specifically listed on the rubric.

Discussion Question Rubric – 100 PointsCriteriaExemplary
Exceeds ExpectationsAdvanced
Meets ExpectationsIntermediate
Needs ImprovementNovice
InadequateTotal PointsQuality of Initial PostProvides clear examples supported by course content and references.

Cites three or more references, using at least one new scholarly resource that was not provided in the course materials.

All instruction requirements noted.

40 pointsComponents are accurate and thoroughly represented, with explanations and application of knowledge to include evidence-based practice, ethics, theory, and/or role. Synthesizes course content using course materials and scholarly resources to support importantpoints.

Meets all requirements within the discussion instructions.

Cites two references.

35 pointsComponents are accurate and mostly represented primarily with definitions and summarization. Ideas may be overstated, with minimal contribution to the subject matter. Minimal application to evidence-based practice, theory, or role development. Synthesis of course content is present but missing depth and/or development.

Is missing one component/requirement of the discussion instructions.

Cites one reference, or references do not clearly support content.

Most instruction requirements are noted.

31 pointsAbsent application to evidence-based practice, theory, or role development. Synthesis of course content is superficial.

Demonstrates incomplete understanding of content and/or inadequate preparation.

No references cited.

Missing several instruction requirements.

Submits post late.

27 points40Peer Response PostOffers both supportive and alternative viewpoints to the discussion, using two or more scholarly references per peer post. Post provides additional value to the conversation.

All instruction requirements noted.

40 pointsEvidence of further synthesis of course content. Provides clarification and new information or insight related to the content of the peer’s post.

Response is supported by course content and a minimum of one scholarly reference per each peer post.

All instruction requirements noted.

35 pointsLacks clarification or new information. Scholarly reference supports the content in the peer post without adding new information or insight.

Missing reference from one peer post.

Partially followed instructions regarding number of reply posts.

Most instruction requirements are noted.

31 pointsPost is primarily a summation of peer’s post without further synthesis of course content.

Demonstrates incomplete understanding of content and/or inadequate preparation.

Did not follow instructions regarding number of reply posts.

Missing reference from peer posts.

Missing several instruction requirements.

Submits post late.

27 points40Frequency of DistributionInitial post and peer post(s) made on multiple separate days.

All instruction requirements noted.

10 pointsInitial post and peer post(s) made on multiple separate days.

8 pointsMinimum of two post options (initial and/or peer) made on separate days.

7 pointsAll posts made on same day.

Submission demonstrates inadequate preparation.

No post submitted.

6 points10OrganizationWell-organized content with a clear and complex purpose statement and content argument. Writing is concise with a logical flow of ideas

5 pointsOrganized content with an informative purpose statement, supportive content, and summary statement. Argument content is developed with minimal issues in content flow.

4 pointsPoor organization and flow of ideas distract from content. Narrative is difficult to follow and frequently causes reader to reread work.

Purpose statement is noted.

3 pointsIllogical flow of ideas. Prose rambles. Purpose statement is unclear or missing.

Demonstrates incomplete understanding of content and/or inadequate preparation.

No purpose statement.

Submits assignment late.

2 points5APA, Grammar, and SpellingCorrect APA formatting with no errors.

The writer correctly identifies reading audience, as demonstrated by appropriate language (avoids jargon and simplifies complex concepts appropriately).

Writing is concise, in active voice, and avoids awkward transitions and overuse of conjunctions.

There are no spelling, punctuation, or word-usage errors.

5 pointsCorrect and consistent APA formatting of references and cites all references used. No more than two unique APA errors.

The writer demonstrates correct usage of formal English language in sentence construction. Variation in sentence structure and word usage promotes readability.

There are minimal to no grammar, punctuation, or word-usage errors.

4 pointsThree to four unique APA formatting errors.

The writer occasionally uses awkward sentence construction or overuses/inappropriately uses complex sentence structure. Problems with word usage (evidence of incorrect use of thesaurus) and punctuation persist, often causing some difficulties with grammar. Some words, transitional phrases, and conjunctions are overused.

Multiple grammar, punctuation, or word usage errors.

3 pointsFive or more unique formatting errors or no attempt to format in APA.

The writer demonstrates limited understanding of formal written language use; writing is colloquial (conforms to spoken language).

The writer struggles with limited vocabulary and has difficulty conveying meaning such that only the broadest, most general messages are presented.

Grammar and punctuation are consistently incorrect. Spelling errors are numerous.

Submits assignment late.

2 points5Total Points100