Discussion Big Data Risks and Rewards NURS 6051

Discussion Big Data Risks and Rewards NURS 6051

Sample Answer for Discussion Big Data Risks and Rewards NURS 6051 Included After Question

When you wake in the morning, you may reach for your cell phone to reply to a few text or email messages that you missed overnight. On your drive to work, you may stop to refuel your car. Upon your arrival, you might swipe a key card at the door to gain entrance to the facility. And before finally reaching your workstation, you may stop by the cafeteria to purchase a coffee.

From the moment you wake, you are in fact a data-generation machine. Each use of your phone, every transaction you make using a debit or credit card, even your entrance to your place of work, creates data. It begs the question: How much data do you generate each day? Many studies have been conducted on this, and the numbers are staggering: Estimates suggest that nearly 1 million bytes of data are generated every second for every person on earth.

As the volume of data increases, information professionals have looked for ways to use big data—large, complex sets of data that require specialized approaches to use effectively. Big data has the potential for significant rewards—and significant risks—to healthcare. In this Discussion, you will consider these risks and rewards.

RESOURCES

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.

WEEKLY RESOURCES

To Prepare:

  • Review the Resources and reflect on the web article Big Data Means Big Potential, Challenges for Nurse Execs.
  • Reflect on your own experience with complex health information access and management and consider potential challenges and risks you may have experienced or observed.

BY DAY 3 OF WEEK 5

Post a description of at least one potential benefit of using big data as part of a clinical system and explain why. Then, describe at least one potential challenge or risk of using big data as part of a clinical system and explain why. Propose at least one strategy you have experienced, observed, or researched that may effectively mitigate the challenges or risks of using big data you described. Be specific and provide examples.

BY DAY 6 OF WEEK 5

Respond to at least two of your colleagues* on two different days, by offering one or more additional mitigation strategies or further insight into your colleagues’ assessment of big data opportunities and risks.

*Note: Throughout this program, your fellow students are referred to as colleagues.

A Sample Answer For the Assignment: Discussion Big Data Risks and Rewards NURS 6051

Title: Discussion Big Data Risks and Rewards NURS 6051

As technology advances, so does the ability to obtain and analyze large sets of data from numerous differing sources.  The result of this voluminous information is called big data.  Big data is the name given to the vast amount of datasets within the organization that are difficult to manage due to their lack of structure (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2018).  The universal move from paper charting to the electronic health record (EHR) has allowed more efficient access to all aspects of current healthcare documentation along with older data via backup and storage media. 

The daily use of an EHR provides a continual data set that can easily be probed and assimilated to produce information that can then be used to influence positive patient outcomes.  Trends in the documentation found to be useful during the monitoring and management of patient care can be examined and used to direct change in future policies and procedures.  Due to the universal language of most charting modules within a health system, the data can easily be searched and mined for a specific metric.  An issue arises when a query wishes to retrieve charting details from an unstructured area, such as narrative charting entries. 

As long as EHRs allow custom narrative entries, the ability to pull organized system-wide search results will be time and labor-intensive.  The unformatted information must then be manually viewed, read, and sorted.  Lack of integration is a prime example of how big data mining can be overwhelming and cumbersome within a clinical system (Wang et al., 2018). 

One strategy used to mitigate the challenge of big data is using a checkbox flowsheet method of universal charting.  The structured format of this technique provides organized, easily accessible, and easily interpreted results to the Informaticists (Glassman, 2017).  Although using the narrative approach can be more efficient at times by grouping together multiple assessment categories in one location, the information could be invisible and, therefore, unavailable for the requested project at hand.

Discussion Big Data Risks and Rewards NURS 6051
Discussion Big Data Risks and Rewards NURS 6051

References 

Glassman, K. S. (2017). Using data in nursing practice. American Nurse Today, 12(11), 45–47. Retrieved from https://www.americannursetoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ant11-Data-1030.pdf 

McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. (2018). Nursing Informatics and the Foundation of Knowledge (4th ed.). Jones and Bartlett Learning. 

Wang, Y., Kung, L., & Byrd, T. (2018). Big data analytics: Understanding its capabilities and potential benefits for healthcare organizations. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 126, 3-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2015.12.019 

A Sample Answer 2 For the Assignment: Discussion Big Data Risks and Rewards NURS 6051

Title: Discussion Big Data Risks and Rewards NURS 6051

As technology progresses, the ability to collect data from a variety of sources increases as well. Access to such vast volumes of data can be beneficial, but only if it is structured in a logical manner, as with data mining, which identifies links between the data (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2018, p. 478). Our healthcare system, in general, relies on the collection, management, and dissemination of big data to enhance medical practices, cut costs, and forecast results, to mention a few. Hospital managers, such as chief nurse executives, rely on big data from all departments (for example, human resources, quality assurance, and unit leadership) and must devise a method for interpreting the data, establishing relationships, and “running the business” (Thew, 2016). Cerner is now the EHR system in use at the organization where I work. Vital signs, previous medical visits/procedures, and allergies are just a few examples of the huge data collected on each patient. When we discharge a patient, we verify that the patient comprehended the discharge instructions and assist them in scheduling follow-up care

. If they choose this option, we have a follow-up care coordinator who contacts the patient and assists them in scheduling visits or locating community resources as needed. In this situation, big data can be used to track patients who have chosen to get follow-up support and determine if there is a correlation between frequent readmissions and the use of follow-up assistance. (Hewner et al., 2018) examined the relationship between care transition and readmission in high-risk patients with pre-existing diseases who often visit the emergency department. The study investigates the collecting of large amounts of data and how to follow up with high-risk patients was connected with fewer emergency room visits. The usefulness of massive data collection in the clinical system is demonstrated by discharge documentation.

Discussion The Risks and Rewards of Big Data 6051 NURS Numerous concerns have been identified associated with the clinical system’s usage of big data, including security breaches. There is always a tight line between budgetary balancing and retaining safe patient files. (Wang et al., 2018) state that the majority of organizations use a “big data in the cloud” solution such as “software-as-a-service (SaaS) that provides a more cost-effective alternative.” Additionally, there are portals that allow patients to view their information within the restrictions of the “Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act” (Glassman, 2017), which might be advantageous for patients who want to keep track of their diagnostic results. However, I can see how this could be a problem if there is a security breach, such as the patient checking in from an unsafe place, or if someone obtains access to the patient’s login credentials that was not disclosed. One of the most difficult challenges I faced this year was speaking with family members on the phone about their loved ones who were unable to enter the ER’s COVID-19 unit.

Every day, I was confronted with new dilemmas over how to proceed. In other instances, I was able to obtain verbal agreement from patients and deliver some rudimentary updates. In other instances, patients were unable to consent, and the caller lacked the patient’s identifying information. Due to patient confidentiality, I was unable to provide updates over the phone and was on the receiving end of

numerous frustrated family members. I understood their annoyances. However, I take patient confidentiality extremely seriously. I’m wondering if a remedy to this would be to have it written someplace that if the patient is unable to agree, the person assigned to access their patient portal may have access to that information. Similar to a will, but electronic? For instance, by displaying the option to include an emergency contact in the patient portal, the information or a link to the emergency contact’s email address where they may access the portal in an emergency? This way, the patient controls who has access to their portal, minimizing the possibility of an undesired family member or other individual gaining access who the patient does not like to grant access to. There may still be significant dangers of data breaches. And while there are mechanisms in place that allow us to communicate with next of kin, etc., many patients lacked emergency contacts and were unable to communicate with us while in the COVID-19 facility. Discussion The Risks and Rewards of Big Data 6051 NURS

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Perhaps there are better solutions, but it does inspire me to think about combining big data to keep patient information secure, but also respect the patient’s best interest in mind when handling these unique circumstances.

References

Glassman, K. S. (2017). Using data in nursing practice. American Nurse Today. Retrieved December 28, 2020, from https://www.myamericannurse.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ant11-Data-1030.pdf

Hewner, S., Sullivan, S. S., & Yu, G. (2018). Reducing emergency room visits and in-hospitalizations by implementing best practices for transitional care using innovative technology and big-data. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 15(3), 170–177. https://doi.org/10.1111/wvn.12286

McGonigle, D., & Mastrain, K. G. (2018). Nursing Informatics and the foundation of knowledge (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Thew, J. (2016, April 19). Big data means big potential, challenges for nurse execs. HealthLeaders. Retrieved December 28, 2020, from https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/nursing/big-data-means-big-potential-challenges-nurse-execs

Wang, Y., Kung, L., & Byrd, T. A. (2018). Big data analytics: Understanding its capabilities and potential benefits for healthcare organizations. Technological Forecasting & Social Change, 126, 3–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2015.12.019

A Sample Answer 3 For the Assignment: Discussion Big Data Risks and Rewards NURS 6051

Title: Discussion Big Data Risks and Rewards NURS 6051

Nataly, it was interesting reading your post. It is amazing to see how the tech world has taken over our lives, whether it’s big data or small data. All come with huge risks and benefits. As technology takes over certain tasks and frees up time for employees to focus on high-value tasks, roles and job descriptions may change.

According to the national coordinator for health information technology, some advantages of big data with electronic health records (EHR) are providing accurate, up-to-date, and complete information about patients at the point of care. EHR enables quick access to patient records for more coordinated and efficient care. EHR is the first step to transformed health care. Improved efficiencies and lower health care costs by preventative medicine and improved coordination of health care services, and reducing waste and redundant tests are some of the benefits of EHR (Health IT, n.d.).

Big data comes with lots of challenges including security breaches involving patients’ information. Elkhart Emergency physicians had 550,000 patient records breached when Central files tossed important documents. They were hired to destroy certain records and securely store patient files. Providers were notified of their documents in the dumpsite and mixed with other debris. These documents span over 8 years of collection of patients’ information (Davis, n.d.).

Technology can be great but can also consume us. Modern technology has made our lives easier, faster, better and more fun.

Davis, J. (n.d.). The 10 biggest healthcare data breaches of 2020, so far. Health IT security. https://healthitsecurity.com/news/the-10-biggest-healthcare-data-breaches-of-2020-so-far

Health Information Technology. (n.d.). What are the advantages of electronic health records? Health IT. https://www.healthit.gov/faq/what-are-advantages-electronic-health-records#:~:text=Electronic%20Health%20Records%20(%20EHR%20s,timeliness%2C%20efficiency%2C%20and%20equity.

A Sample Answer 4 For the Assignment: Discussion Big Data Risks and Rewards NURS 6051

Title: Discussion Big Data Risks and Rewards NURS 6051

Data, data, and more data. One potential benefit of using big data as part of a clinical system is smart staffing and personnel management. Without interconnected, involved employees, patient care will decline, service will drop, and huge errors occur. Big data tools in healthcare can assist in rationalizing staffing activities in vital areas. Engaging with the appropriate analytics, time-stretched healthcare organizations can improve staffing while anticipating operation room demands and reshuffling patient care. Too often, there is a significant lack of flexibility in organizations with staff “flex” in the wrong areas at the wrong time. The disproportion of staffing could mean a department is either too overstaffed with employees or short-staffed when it matters most, leading to lower motivation for work and increasing the nonattendance rate. In this case, a resource dashboard may help because it presents employee data and is designed to assist and make the most of everyone’s time both within the human resources team and throughout the organization. It’s possible to predict when you might need staff in areas at peak times while distributing highly skilled employees to other areas within the organization during slower periods through data analytics (Datapine, 2020).

Dealing with big data can be challenging for executives within organizations, including frontline workers. A potential challenge or risk of using big data as part of the clinical system including how data is capture, cleanse of data collected, how data is stored, stewardship, querying, reporting, visualization, updating, sharing, and data security; it is the number one priority of organizations especially in the wake of breaches, hacking and ransomware. Healthcare data is subject to a nearly infinite array of vulnerabilities (Forman et al., 2018).

Big data can, at times, make nurse executives think they are statistician instead of nurses. A potential risk is using a vendor algorithm in the hiring process before actually hiring employees. This is a huge risk because vendors consider the algorithm to be proprietary and confidential. Unable to assess what is being done makes it difficult to determine potential bias, if any. For example, when a potential employee cannot use the technology, it leads to a barrier or a proper assessment; the tool may lead to discrimination claims. The law prevents an employer from obtaining information about potential employees’ medical history before hiring (Bresnick, 2017).

At my previous organization, we used Arena Scores (pre-employment assessments) to determine if candidates were more likely to stay once hire or leave within the first year. After using pre-employment assessments for about a year, we found out that employees’ personal information was vulnerable through my organization database. The vendor had access to our database as they monitor employees through their algorithm for the hiring process.

It was unfortunate, but our IT department caught the bridge, and the Chief Nursing Officer severed ties with the vendor. One strategy that may effectively reduce the risk is to secure our data, learn from mistakes, and ask simple questions, especially when using a vendor is….. who has access to it?

References

Bresnick, J. (2017). Top 10 challenges of big data analytics in healthcare. Healtcare IT Analytics. https://healthitanalytics.com/news/top-10-challenges-of-big-data-analytics-in-healthcare

Durcevic, S. (2020). 18 examples of big data analytics In healthcare that can save people. The Datapine Blog News, Insights and Advice for Getting your Data in Shapehttps://www.datapine.com/blog/big-data-examples-in-healthcare/

Forman, A. S., Glasser, N. M., & Aibel, M. S. (2018). Minimize risks when using big data analytics in hiring. SHRM Better Work Places Better World. https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/legal-and-compliance/employment-law/pages/big-data-analytics-in-hiring.aspx

A Sample Answer 5 For the Assignment: Discussion Big Data Risks and Rewards NURS 6051

Title: Discussion Big Data Risks and Rewards NURS 6051

Thanks for sharing on the topic of big data and how it affects the different aspects of healthcare. Big data impacts direct patient care as well as long term patient outcomes which is why it is vital that we understand what it is and why we use it (Duquesne University, 2022).

Electronic Health Records are the primary way that we see big data used in healthcare which makes patient data more accessible and easier to share with others (Duquesne University, 2022). Electronic health record data can be generated, stored, cross referenced, and analyzed to yield valuable results which makes it possible for patients to receive consistent and reliable care at multiple facilities (Duquesne University, 2022). This data may also be used to make informed decision on the direction of a patients care in the future (Duquesne University, 2022). Some people have even said that machine learning algorithms may be used in the future to consider and evaluate more details of a patients EHR than any physician would be able to which may be able to detect patient risks and diseases earlier on resulting in better patient care (Duquesne University, 2022). Although this seems far-fetched, I do believe that there are many benefits to having patient records contained in one area that allows easy access for multiple providers across the care spectrum.

Nurses must be involved in the data collection and assessment process in order to care for their patients well (American Nurse, 2021). Nurses are a key aspect of patients receiving quality and safe care. At the same time, we cannot ensure that these big data programs are working efficiently and safely without nurses being involved in the process. Nurses must constantly be evaluating what can be improved in the big data process in order to ensure that big data is continually effective and informative to patient care.

Your discussion post is very insightful. There are so many benefits to having access to data.  It is crucial that organizations understanding the importance of protecting the data.  Hackers are targeting the healthcare industry. Due to the enormous amounts of high-sensitive information such as social security numbers, date of birth, and emergency contact information.  Healthcare data can be used as leverage for receiving money from healthcare organizations frantically trying to protect patient information.  (Chehal & Gulati, 2022) The organizations must take steps to lessen the likelihood of a data breech. Healthcare organizations can’t operate an organization without a strong healthcare organization. The same standards need to be in place for your quality IT team. The security measures are only as strong as those you hire helping support and manage them. There are ways to ensure that patient information is protecting. The IT department could conduct a yearly analysis HIPAA security risk analysis and ensure that all patient information sent over the internet is encrypted. (Tariq & Hackett, 2022)

References

Chehal, D., & Gulati, P. (2022). Efficient ways for healthcare data management using data science and machine learning. In (Ed.), Computational intelligence in healthcare (pp. 67–79). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003305347-4Links to an external site.

Tariq, R. A., & Hackett, P. B. (2022). Patient confidentiality. National Library of Medicine, 672. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-1-4160-5893-9.00353-1Links to an external site.