Introduction Health Science is paving the way for us to learn more about health care, clinical quality outcomes, and computer science. Combining this knowledge with health care informatics is key to improving the health of patient populations. Learning how health care organizations can use and trend data, challenges of maintaining data integrity, and staying at the forefront of the latest available technologies will help medical professions and leadership shape the future of health care.
The Health Care Informatics Program helped me learn how to look at data and answer questions that impact patient lives, clinical workflows, and health care delivery systems. The below artifacts and reflections speak to my journey learning about health science and how I met course competencies. This journey is not over and I will continue to use these skills and grow as leader.
Reflections and Artifacts Reflection #1 HCI 540 Program Outcome This course’s learning outcomes teaches the tools necessary to understand computer hardware, network architecture, clinical applications of electronic health records, and integration of various software applications. Combined with these elements are regulatory guidelines, security, and reimbursement issues and we must consider how all these moving parts work together.
Looking back at my historical usage of computers and how I use them today is quite an amazing reflection. At the beginning of my work experience so much of what we did was on paper or data entry. I’ve worked in medical records, dark room tech, and the billing department. One of my first jobs was working at a radiology imaging center and I would develop X-rays for the radiologists. Everything is digital nowadays. Once I was promoted to the billing department, claims and statements were all printed on paper and envelops were stuffed by hand. At this organization’s peak we had approximately 30 billers. Now I bet you they don’t even have 10. I am excited about technology and how it can improve health care and access for our patients. I think technology will help us cure diseases, streamline workflows, and allow us to complete procedures with minimal complications. I just hope it doesn’t become so data driven that we lose sight of our missions and the human aspect of why we do what do.
Reflection #2 HCI HS Program Outcome Health Science teaches us so much but more importantly, how to develop the skills needed to speak as a leader and know your audience. My second Artifact takes a look at a chance opportunity to conduct an elevator pitch to executives. What would say in that short encounter to make a difference and convince them to join you in your journey to improve health care? What will inspire others to risk failure and believe in your idea?
On the inside I fear public speaking but somehow, I do it often. I challenge myself regularly by putting myself in situations that require me to speak in group settings. One of the things I loved about this program is how I made YouTube videos and the exposure to new ways to develop messaging to others. There are so many creative tools to help us in our presentations that make it fun and interesting. Many folks can be turned off by data, especially when we see a negative report card but delivery of that data is key. I learned not to blame the person but to look at the problem. When we look at the problem and not the person, you can partner with those individuals to look at ways to improve processes and outcomes. After reviewing Artifact #2, would you take that risk with me and join me on my journey?
Reflection #3 HCI 541 Program Outcome This course’s learning outcomes provides an overview of the health care delivery system, professional roles, care delivery models, and relevant regulatory environment in the United States. Overviews common chronic and acute disease states that drive the U.S. health care system to provide the student with context for care delivery models. The material is intended for non-clinician students or individuals who lack significant professional health. This course taught me to think of new innovate ways to implement health care technologies and expand health care delivery models. During the public health emergency, many health care organizations looked to telehealth as a safe and effective way to provide health care to patients. I created a business plan that would take optometry services to the next level and provide eye care services to the most vulnerable populations. As I reflect upon creating a business model, I learned how to create a budget, conduct a needs assessment, and evaluate the market performance. This allowed me to design ways that would improve access to high quality eye care and develop crucial relationships with community partners. This learning outcome will help me in the future as a leader to create resources for patients and contribute to healthcare organizations in the future.