Discussion #1

For this week’s discussion, do the following; 

1. Choose one of the posted articles and read thoroughly.

2. Post the reference citation for the article, using APA style.

3.  Identify the theoretical framework used in the article you chose (post  the name of the theory and its author). Provide a brief description of  the theory.

4. Discuss whether the theoretical framework is consistent with a nursing perspective.

5. Discuss whether the theoretical framework is appropriate to guide the research.

6. Describe how the authors linked the findings of the study to the theoretical framework.

Cosmic Question – Post your cosmic question related to theoretical frameworks – provide a substantial response to at least 2 of your peers’ cosmic questions.

42-year-old male reports pain in his lower back for the past month. The pain sometimes radiates to his left leg. In determining the cause of the back pain, based on your knowledge of anatomy, what nerve roots might be involved? How would you test for each of them? What other symptoms need to be explored? What are your differential diagnoses for acute low back pain? Consider the possible origins using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) guidelines as a framework. What physical examination will you perform? What special maneuvers will you perform?

Make sure you provide evidence from the literature to support diagnostic tests that would be appropriate for each case. List five different possible conditions for the patient’s differential diagnosis, and justify why you selected each.

NOTE

APA format

2 pages

3 references not more than 5 years

The purpose of this assignment is to analyze how an organization’s quality and improvement processes contribute to its risk management program.

This assignment builds on the Risk Management Program Analysis – Part One assignment you completed in Topic 1 of this course.

Assume that the sample risk management program you analyzed in Topic 1 was implemented and is now currently in use by your health care employer/organization. Further assume that your supervisor has asked you to create a high‐level summary brief of this new risk management program to share with a group of administrative personnel from a newly created community health organization in your state who has enlisted your organization’s assistance in developing their own risk management policies and procedures.

Compose a 1,250‐1,500 word summary brief that expands upon the elements you first addressed in the Topic 1 assignment. In this summary brief, address the following points regarding your health care organization and its risk management program:

1. Explain the role of your organization’s MIPPA-approved accreditation body (e.g., JC, ACR, IAC) in the evaluation of your institution’s quality improvement and risk management processes.
2. Describe the roles that different levels of administrative personnel play in healthcare ethics and establishing or sustaining employer/employee-focused organizational risk management strategies and operational policies.
3. Illustrate how your organization’s risk management and compliance programs support ethical standards, patient consent, and patient rights and responsibilities.
4. Explain the legal and ethical responsibilities health care professionals face in upholding risk management policies and administering safe health care at your organization.
5. Relate how your organization’s quality improvement processes support and contribute to its overall journey to excellence.

In addition to your textbook, you are required to support your analysis with a minimum of three peer‐reviewed references.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

Identify two selected EHR software solutions and describe three features of each software solution.

     The use of electronic health records (EHR) has been in utilization in the United States starting in 1972 through the works of the Regenstreif Institute; however, it was not until 2009 through the Obama administration with the passing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that incentives were created for those who used electronic health records (Honavar, 2020, p. 17). The use of the EHR has been identified as a means to help bridge the gap for quality healthcare by allowing the patient easier accessibility to healthcare services and decreasing errors by improving the accuracy of transmitted information (Honavar, 2020). RXNT and NextGen are electronic health record software programs utilized in healthcare organizations with the surge of telemedicine due to the recent pandemic. RXNT pioneered e-prescribing in 1999 and has grown to the capacity of sending approximately 52 million prescriptions (RXNT, 2021). Secondly, RXNT has a full suite option to encompass e-prescriptions, electronic medical records, billing, a patient portal with practice management capabilities (RXNT, 2021). Finally, RXNT can be utilized in a multitude of clinical specialties based on the software system selection (RXNT, 2021). NextGen, a company of over 47 years, is geared to assist in ambulatory care service providers and their specified populations (NextGen Healthcare, 2022). Three important software features include; revenue cycle management, electronic data interchange, and analytics for network management, care management, and revenue (NextGen Healthcare, 2022). Utilizing electronic health records helps with improving the protected safety of the clients served (Aguirre et al., 2019). In addition, as part of the requirements for The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), those who do not comply with the transition to electronic health records may have an imposed fine (Aguirre et al., 2019). The key to determining which electronic health record software is best lies within the organization’s goal, ensuring the most cost-effective software for better patient outcomes.

 Compare and contrast the benefits of the two selected EHR software solutions.

           RXNT and NextGen offer the cloud-based protective approach, which means that the software can be accessed from apple and android devices for easier usage for both the clinician and patient while protecting HPI. RXNT allows staff members to preset options for prescription refills, and the supervising provider can then release and sign medications in a convenient manner. NextGen offers e-prescribing; however, for scheduled 3-5, the medicines are faxed with the provider’s signature; RXNT will have a demo copy of the prescription with an electronic signature. RXNT and NextGen take the administration components from the provider’s plate so that the overall goal of patient-centered and focused care is present, meaning the provider can see the patient and spend time developing treatment plans instead of clerical and administration work. In addition, NextGen can be programmed for smaller practice settings and provide analytics for quality improvement. In contrast, RXNT can be used as well across any practice size with no partiality but not as quality improved with data and trend captures. In a 2021 survey comparison of RXNT to NextGen, RXNT ranked as 4.46 vs. 4.0 with details in the monetary value of the software system. Both are deemed easy to navigate with prompt response time for IT support with the purchase of each program.

Select an EHR software solution that is best suited for your workplace environment and provide the rationale for your selection.

           In my current workplace environment, RXNT would be the better option due to the e-prescribing protocols that give direct access to the state’s PMP database. As a mental health practitioner, it is not uncommon to have patients who have high stimulant and benzodiazepine usage; being able to check while seeing the patient is of great benefit to the clinician. Secondly, RXNT can be used in small practices, outpatient, and hospital organizations. For example, my current employer operates as an outpatient branch and multispecialty clinic of one of the largest mental health institutions in the country. Third, the practice management component of scheduling and billing software and protocols in the solution hard drive makes for more straightforward billing, and charge captures even if there is no designated billing department. Fortunately, there is one in my current company. Lastly, the mobile application and telehealth component makes it possible to take the job on the go and not compromise the quality of care for the patient.