DQ 5-1

 Select a current or emerging trend in the delivery of health care or in professional practice from the allied health perspective in one of the following areas: (1) health care reform, (2) provider shortages, (3) practice trends, (4) leadership challenges, or (5) health IT. Provide a summary analysis of the trend, expected impacts on health care delivery or professional practice, and your assessment of the pros and cons. 

DQ 5-2

RESPONSES

1.

The Electronic Health Record has grown from the EMR and continues to develop.

 

The EHR goes beyond the EMR, it includes more information and allows for other clinics and providers to share the information.  “EHRs focus on the total health of the patient—going beyond standard clinical data collected in the provider’s office and inclusive of a broader view on a patient’s care.” (Garrett, 2011) Often many providers are involved in our daily care, even those people that do not live with chronic illnesses.  Having our medical record follow us will provide for better and more thorough care as our medical needs change or we move to a new location.   

 

The EHR has had a positive impact on healthcare delivery, providing better communication between providers and patients.  As patients health changes their health record is easily updated, new medications listed and procedures documented in one place for better continuity of care.  Patients have the ability to access their own record, they can follow up on procedures and tests and communicate with their provider.  

 

One area that may prove challenging is for the senior population, this group of people typically have fewer computer skills.  Technology offers so many benefits but can be very overwhelming for some, expecting a patient to understand what an EHR is or how to access their chart can be like speaking a different language.  Health literacy is so valuable for areas such as this, educating not just seniors but anyone that may need extra help navigating this new area. This is something that all disciplines can assist with; education is a large part of the health professionals role regardless of where they work.  

 

Garrett, P. (2011) EMR vs. EHR-What is the Difference? Health IT Buzz 

EMR vs EHR – What is the Difference?

2.

An emerging trend in the delivery of health care is the inclusion of Pharmacists as part of the primary health care team. This integration will go a long way to help with critical aspects of patient care especially where medications are involved. As the custodians of medications, Pharmacists are in the better position to deal with medication reconciliations, they would do a better job at counseling patients on the use of the prescribed medications and are able to suggest new medications for chronic illnesses. They are also able to deal with complications of medication interactions. Pharmacists will also help to develop new clinical programs that would ultimately improve patient outcomes while managing costs.

Reference

 Kevin Jones, December 30, 2016, 4 Notable Trends for Pharmacy in 2017:  retrieved from 

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3.

A current healthcare trend is the national nursing shortage. This shortage is happening due to recent healthcare reforms and a rapid increase in the amount of the population now being able to afford health insurance. Because of the shortage, this has caused the average age of employed nurses to increase meaning a possible delay in retirement to help combat the shortage. The average of employed registered nurses (RNs) has increased from 42.7 years in 2000 to 4

4.

6 years in 2010 (American Nurses Association, 2018). A con to this shortage is the straining schedules that currently employed nurses have to endure. Since nurses are being spread more thin they have to be able to provide the same level of care by working longer schedules and shifts. This can cause nurses to be more prone to making mistakes or medical errors. Another con is the possible downgrade of care due to having fewer nurses. However, even though there is a shortage, RNs are still one of the top careers that have a rapid projected employment growth. The shortage is a positive because that leads to more job openings for those entering the nursing career field. Although the shortage is a negative thing currently happening, I think it can be turned into a positive with all of the job opportunities for prospective nurses.

 References

American Nurses Association. (2018). Nursing Shortage. Retrieved from ANA:

http://www.nursingworld.org/nursingshortag

4.

One of the current trend in healthcare delivery care is workforce shortage mainly in geriatric care. According to CDC, approximately 24% of the total U.S. workforce will be age 55 or older by 2018, which is about

5.

5 times the rate of growth in the overall workforce (2016). With growing age comes various problems such as Alzheimer disease (AD). According to CDC, AD is the sixth leading cause of death in US and by 2030, approximately 13.8 million people over 65 years of age will be diagnosed with AD (2015). This illustrate the necessity of healthcare professionals with the understanding of disease and the proper care of AD population. This can impact the healthcare delivery system economically as the projected cost combining 2015 through 2050 is about $20.8 trillion (CDC et al, 2015). Thus getting right workforce with proper training and education as well as detecting early symptoms, reducing frequent hospitalization and AD awareness through community-based services are some of the steps towards quality care.   

Sante

CDC (2015). Alzheimer’s disease- A public-health-crisis. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/aging/aginginfo/pdfs/Module1-Alzheimers-Disease-Public-Health-Crisis

CDC (2016). Accommodate aging workforce population Retrieved from:

https://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/model/control-costs/benefits/aging-workforce.html

5.

In combination with the population growth, the aging population, and retirement of providers it is no surprise that our country will face a serious provider shortage. According to Mann (2017), “the United States will face a shortage of between 40,800 and 104,900 physicians by 2030”. The supply of physicians cannot be made up by the demand of patients.

This shortage of physicians can greatly impact the care being delivered to patients. If there are not enough physicians per patients it can take longer to get an appointment with a doctor, office visits can be cut shorter, and physicians can then have a higher burn out rate if being overworked. A pro to the shortage means the many jobs that will become available for new graduates. In addition, Mann (2017) states how the AAMC continues to advocate for increased federal support for an additional 3,000 residency positions annually over the next five years”.

Mann, S. (2017). Research shows shortage of more than 100,000 doctors by 2030. Retrieved from https://news.aamc.org/medical-education/article/new-aamc-research-reaffirms-looming-physician-shor/