Health informatics has developed into an interdisciplinary professional specialty and scientific discipline
You must reply to DB post, 450 words using APA format, 2 references and 1 biblical reference
Health Informatics
Linda Bermudez
Liberty University
Discussion Board Forum 1: Health Informatics
Health informatics has developed into an interdisciplinary professional specialty and scientific discipline (Nelson & Staggers, 2018). The origins of the field can be traced back to the 1950’s with the use of new technologies in medicine. The lack of a standard definition that encompasses all the different fields in the discipline creates a challenge to the effective communication between them. These categories include nursing, dental, medical and health information management, together they comprise the elements of health informatics , yet they have their specialized research and learning mechanism. With the gradual evolution in education, technology and healthcare to fit Americans needs, healthcare informatics has integrated new systems. The introduction of the internet to the field has allowed the opportunity to create new systems for recording patient records, information and data. The ability to categorize and share this information with patients and other facilities remains a challenge in the healthcare system.
Moreover, there are challenges faced by healthcare informatics that include the integration of proactive patients. These ePatients are informed and able to research their own symptoms and medical records online. This grants the opportunity for patients and providers to work as partners in their care (Lewis, 2007). The need for FIT persons, people fluent in information technology becomes essential in the healthcare fields. Patient care has evolved to include caregivers within the family and themselves I addition to physicians and providers. Patients can now be equipped with the right set of tools via development in healthcare informatics to make their best decisions on their care. As mentioned by Lewis, the development of telehealth opportunities allows improvement in nursing to help communicate and facilitate decision making for patients. For example, currently with the COVID-19 pandemic, many non-critical units have transitioned to telehealth visits. The digital literacy of providers, records custodians and patients is essential in the effective communication and results of these patients visits.
Biblical Application
One quote that stood out based on this week’s readings was, “be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee”(Deuteronomy 31:6, King James Version). Healthcare challenges and effective understanding may discourage patients from treatment or seeking help. However, as reminded by this verse, it is important to seek courage because God will guide patients through the process whether big or small. It takes courage for providers and patients to learn new systems, adapt to technological changes, and even research their own medical conditions. The ability for patients to have knowledge of their medical conditions requires this spiritual support, especially when the information may be complicated or require the application of new learning theories different than their own. As mentioned by Nelson & Staggers, learners process information differently either by reasoning logically or using their intuition. However, when attempting to implement new systems in adult learners it is essential to acknowledge their own experiences and knowledge to allow them to integrate this as a supplement (Nelson & Staggers, 2018).
References
King James Bible. (2017). King James Bible Online. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/
LEWIS, D. (2007). Evolution of consumer health informatics. Computers, Informatics, Nursing, 25(6), 316-316. doi:10.1097/01.NCN.0000299659.44271.47
Nelson, R., Staggers, N., (2018). Health informatics; An interprofessional approach (2nd ed.). St. Louis, Mo: Elsevier.
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