Sumtip's Blog

     To Much Technology

     I would like to see less time spent on the computer and more time spent with our patients. I feel nursing has become more like a job and less like a calling. I feel that these systems are set up to help in many ways but they also hinder us in ways. I feel that since computerized charting has begun we are required to chart more. We have certain time frames we have to meet. We have a certain number of times to chart. We have specific areas that must be charted on each shift. I feel as though we spend more time charting now than we ever have before.

     Nursing is a calling and we are here to take care of our patients. Technology is great but it is making nursing more like an everyday job. I feel as though we are no longer charting by exception. I want to be able to sit down with my patients and give them 100% of me. I am here for my patients and I want to be able to spend the majority of my time with them, not charting.

Behind Technology

     I feel as though some of the health care professionals are not where they need to be when it comes to the internet, electronic health record, and web-based information. I see many times individuals struggling with computer based atmospheres. I myself have struggled numerous times. I feel that there needs to be better availability and use of learning to facilitate employees. There needs to be more training classes in the work field and more nursing school classes with learning aimed at computers and technology.

     In the BSN courses there are some classes that will increase technology knowledge. I feel as though these classes should have been offered sooner. In the ASN program students only have one general computer class that is required of them. I belive if these classes would have been offered sooner the journey would have been easier. It seems that the nursing field is increasing drastically with technology and the sooner we learn the better we will be.

The Future

     The future of technology holds endless heights. I believe that one day a patient will be able to walk into their room and as they pass the door way they will be read. I believe the room will be able to give their weight, height, and vitals. I also belive that one day humans will carry chips just like animals do. These chips will allow us to do labs of all sorts. We will no longer have to draw labs manually, a machine will read each patient.

     I also believe some where in the far future we will have a medical record that is truly ONE. It may be thirty plus years from now but one day our goal will be accomplished. All health care facilities will unit as one, technology wise. We will be able to share all patient information via the computer. All systems will be linked and patient care will be much improved. Our goal of being patient centered will be at its finest.

  JUST A THOUGHT!

    What is Multiple Sclerosis?

      Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive degenerative disease of the central nervous system.  MS is an autoimmune disorder characterized by demyelination of the neurons. This disease affects the myelin sheath and conduction pathways of the CNS. Pathological features of this process are; interaction between the systemic immune system and the CNS and demyelinating lesions in the white matter. These patchy areas of plaque in the white matter cause damage to the myelin sheath and thickness is reduced.

     Myelin is responsible for electrochemical transmission  of impulses between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body. In MS these impulses are still transmitted but are not as effective as they were before. MS individuals go through periods of remission and exacerbation. Eventually after repeated exacerbation periods damage to the axon becomes permanent. Usually over 20 years or more progressive loss of function leads to permanent disability.

     The exact cause of MS is unknown, but the disease is thought to be the result of viral, immunological, genetic, and environmental factors. It usually occurs in people between the ages of 20 and 50 years with women being affected more than men. The life expectancy of those with MS is about 35 years after the onset of symptoms. It is the most prevalent CNS disorder and a leading cause of neurologic disability in early adulthood.

     MS produces a wide variety of manifestations, any myelinated fibers of the brain and spinal cord may be affected. Motor function is characterized by fatigue, spasticity, and tremors. Visual manifestations include blurred,decreased, diplopia, and nystagmus. Sensory assessments include numbness, tingling, and burning sensations. Cognitive assessments include memory loss, decreased concentration, and impaired judgment.

     There is no single lab or diagnostic procedure that is definitive for MS. Diagnosis usually involves many collective results of a variety of different tests to conclude  MS.  Test done usually involve cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), MRI, and CT. CSF may show persistently elevated immunoglobulin G (IgG), occurs in about two-thirds of MS individuals. CSF may also include elevated protein levels and a slight increase in white blood cell count. CSF electrophoresis reveals oligoclonal (IgG) bands in 90% of MS cases. MRI and CT scans may show increased density in white matter and MS plaques. The diagnosis of MS is made by the exclusion of other neurologic diseases.

    There is currently no cure for MS, treatment is aimed at; reducing symptoms, frequency, progression, and prevention of disability. Drugs such as antiinflammatory, immunosuppressant, and immune modulators are used. Lots of support and rehabilitation management is needed.

Why I choose Multiple Sclerosis?

     The reason I choose MS is due to the fact that a very important individual in my life may be diagnosed with this disease in the near future. I decided that I needed to better inform myself as well as others about this disease. I belive that knowledge is power and the best way to deal with a disease is to inform yourself and others of that disease. Somethings are inevitable and we must do the best we can with the cards we are dealt.

How I selected my information?

     My aim at selecting information was to find the best and most accurate sources. I looked for things like authenticity, validity, and reliability. I first went to resources that I have used for many years and know that they are reliable. These resources included the public library and the SBU electronic library catalogs. These resources can be trusted and have proven reliability over the years. I used professional databases such as CINAHL.

     I also used search engines to surf the web in an attempt to find quality research results. I looked at up to date information with reliable credentials. I searched legitimate databases first be using key terms such as; MS, degenerative disorders, CNS disorders, autoimmune disease, and neurologic disability. I then aimed to answer questions pertaining to causes, treatments, and diagnostics. My goal was to get as much accurate information as possible so that I could better understand MS.

Results

The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine: Multiple Sclerosis, October 1, 2009

http://rpproxy.iii.com:9797/MuseSessionID=d5f524f36f9283ad732faa3a0e24fab/MuseHost=web1.infotrac-custom.com/MusePath/pdfserve/get_item/1/A42304215396.pdf

This article provided via the public library gave an over view of the disease and the disorders it causes. It provided  quantitive data about the prevalence of MS and its occurence in different countries. It provided the pathophysiology, manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment aims of MS.

 National Multiple Sclerosis Society

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/index.aspx

This is an online community organization where individuals may go to get the answers they seek about MS. This site offers information about the disease and research that is being done pertaining to  this particular disease. It offers ways to get involved and communicate with other individuals who are curious about this disease. It also offers a way for individuals with MS to communicate with each other.

Mayo Clinic

http://www.mayoclinic.org/multiple-sclerosis/?mc_id=comlinkpilot&placement=bottom

This site offers information on a facility that diagnosis and treats individuals with MS. The pathophysiology of MS is explained and they offer medication and physical therapy options to help individuals living with MS. Stories can be read about others who live with this disease.

Medline Plus

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/multiplesclerosis.html#cat63

This site offers financial assistant options for individuals with MS. A video is available to view the steps a newly MS individual would go through while being examined by a neurologist. Medline plus offers current reasearch and trials that are being done to better MS individual’s future. MS organizations are available for anyone to communicate and share experiences with other MS individuals.

National Institutes of Neurological disorders and Strokes

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/multiple_sclerosis/multiple_sclerosis.htm

This site offers information on old, new, and combination drug regimens in the treatment of MS. They offer therapeutic and prophylactic treatment for MS individuals. They offer in site into what research is being done with genetics and MS.

ChinaStemCellNews

http://www.stemcellschina.com/index.php/en/patient-experiences/multiple-sclerosis?gclid=CLKgtNK_0aACFRUeDQod1ROi0A

This site offers different MS patients testimonies on how stem cells helped or did not help with their MS.

WebMD

http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/guide/recognizing-multiple-sclerosis

This site offers the early signs and symptoms on MS and what steps need to be done. They offer steps on managing the disease and  getting support for individuals with MS.

Oxford Journals

http://brain.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/125/8/1923

This offers a book review on the book; Multiple Sclerosis: Current status and strategies for the future. This book offers current knowledge on the disease and what the future holds. This site offers an overview of the chapters and a summary of the book.

 

What is Health Care Informatics?    

     Health Care Informatics is a framework for optimizing patient care. HCI is an intersection of computers, information, and nursing science.  This system allow us as nurses to have the right information at the right time with the right patient. HCI is a data base that allow us to have and share patient information with in a health care system. This system allow us to combine patients information, diagnosis, and core hospital information.

Why is Health Care Informatics Important?  

       This system is important because it allows health professionals to optimize patient care. This system also allows maximum productivity. HCI allows the patient to be one with their personal  diagnosis, interventions, and treatment.  This system contributes to information technology solutions and clinical processes that are patient centered. It allows a more timely access to patient data and information. This system is cost effective, knowledge based, and timely. It offers a safe delivery of health care to our patients. HCI has improved efficiency and quality. This system decreases waste  on valuable nursing resources. It also decreases time spent on the patients record and allows more time for direct patient care.

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