Introduction The Quality and Regulatory program outcome comprises of health care privacy and security, regulations governing electronic health records, design of quality programs, and application of systems to ensure patient safety. Promoting high quality care, regulatory compliance, and safeguarding patient medical records is key to health care systems and operations.
We learn that patient information and data integrity is essential to health care. Understanding HIPAA's intent to support information sharing by providing assurance that sensitive health data is maintained securely and shared only for appropriate purposes or with authorization of the individual is essential to navigating healthcare operations. HIPAA regulations have provided a strong privacy and security foundation for the health care system.
Reflections and Artifacts Reflection #1 HCIN 544 Program Outcome Privacy and Security are a top focus for today’s health care leaders. We must have up to date policies and procedures that address current practices, software, and hardware to ensure patient safety. Artifact#1 is an example of a robust Information Security Policy conducted upon review of a case study for a health center. The Information Security Policy addresses the federal mandates for privacy and security related to e-PHI and HIPAA activities in a clinic setting, which is part of carrying out a risk mitigation. This course gave me the knowledge to accurately address all areas of cybersecurity, HIPAA regulations, and employee responsibilities.
Reflection #2 HCIN 544 Program Outcome Change in a health care setting, especially implementing an electronic health record system has many challenges. It’s important to address sufficient workstations and printers, information technology (IT), and workflow education and standardization. The list goes on but just as important is the comfort level and buy-in of employees. Artifact #2 is a reflection on how to address the “people component” and engage staff. Effective leadership during a project requires consideration of different approaches to resistance, confusion, and ensuring to provide ample support. There can be variations in knowledge, backgrounds and comfort levels amongst staff and adequately addressing concerns while still setting clear goals and expectations can be difficult.
Reflection #3 HCIN 540 Program Outcome Data integrity within an EHR governs how we process and deliver data. Documentation entered into the EHR effects quality outcomes, reimbursement, patient safety and in a lot a ways is our report card of patient utilization. I chose Artifact #3, a project outline describing the importance of accurate and timely documentation. In the past, providers have shared with me they are not taught the business elements in school nor how to properly code and document the services they provide. This is alarming since so much of what we do and how data is captured is derived from EHRs today based on how providers and clinical support document medical records. Population health data today is pulled from diagnoses and outcomes, chronic conditions and services rendered such as screenings and preventive health. This information is translated using codes to illustrate what services are rendered and why. In this project, I performed a gap analysis to review training and accountability opportunities, address communication issues, and develop key performance indicators to measure improvements.