Posted: September 13th, 2017

Business

Business

#1. Chau
What is the likelihood that a different procedure would result in a better diagnosis?
The likelihood that a different procedure would result in a better diagnosis is very slim. With so many technologies being use today to diagnosis different types of illnesses and diseases such as cancers can vary. The risk using these technologies to diagnosis the disease can be high and using different procedure doesn’t always result in a better diagnosis. For example procedure such as imaging tests from x-ray to CT scan all has risks. The risk of spreading cancer to the patient can be high and dangerous if the procedure is not done correctly and properly. Sometimes different procedure may not better than the other. For instant, x-ray creates a picture of the structures inside of the body using a small amount of radiation. An x-ray is useful for finding and monitoring some types of tumors. Then you have a CT scan that creates a three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body with an x-ray machine. Then you have tests such as the Endoscopic tests where an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera) is used to examine the inside of the body. The specific type of endoscope varies depending on what part of the body needs to be viewed. This type of test doesn’t have a high risk but it still doesn’t result a better diagnosis.
If the problem is more accurately diagnosed, what is the likelihood of a better cure?
If the problem is more accurately diagnosed, the probability of a better cure is much higher because with the data and information perceived through the test can help doctors and scientist to break down the problem and provide a treatment or a cure for the patient. For example with Clinical trials, they help doctors to develop new methods to prevent, detect, and treat cancer. It is through clinical trials that researchers can determine whether new treatments are safe and effective and work better than current treatments.
#2. Lani
The questions surrounding efficacy can be very complicated. They typically involve aspects of safety, quality of life, cost and improvement over existing technology. All of these factors must be measured and weighed against each other to determine the overall efficacy of a new technology or service prior to its introduction into the patient population.
The question surrounding the likelihood of whether a different procedure would result in a better diagnosis would depend on the current methods used. Are the current methods working well and are they allowing for a complete diagnosis at the time of the procedure. If the new technology allows for similar or increased diagnostic capabilities but decreases the morbidity associated with obtaining the diagnosis then it should be considered. If the decrease in morbidly comes at a very steep cost then that must also be considered.
The question of "is a problem is more accurately diagnosed, what is the likelihood of a better cure” is very dependent on the situation and disease associated. As you can imagine there are many diseases that are in the infant stages of being diagnosed appropriately. As we have seen over time, the earlier many diseases are diagnosed typically the better the outcome. Accurate diagnosis can also mean earlier diagnosis. Therefore, it makes intuitive sense to assume that more accurately diagnosed diseases have a better chance for cure. This is not always the case though. There are some diseases in which no cure has been found. In these cases, the earlier diagnosis can certainly help to treat the patients and may extend their lives but may have no impact on their cure rate. I think it is important for us to remember that quality of life may be a more important factor in those patient’s lives. Even though we are not able to cure them we are able to substantially affect their QOL and therefore accurately diagnosing is just as important.
#3. Michael,
Health care is about efficacy when diagnosing and treatment any illness or injury. Patients and family members expect to gain appropriate answers during the first encounter regarding their signs and symptoms. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Different procedures performed can result in different diagnosis, sometimes for the better. Some procedures performed provide a general outlook of the possibilities that might be occurring based on the signs and symptoms of the patient. This is common in the emergency room. There are people who come through the emergency room complaining of knee or ankle pain whether it was traumatic or not. The emergency room physicians normally order an X-ray to rule out a fracture. Normally, if these patients’ X-rays are negative for a fracture, then we splint the ankle or knee, place them on crutches and refer them to an orthopedic surgeon for further follow-up. A follow-up test that would be required for a better diagnosis is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in order to evaluate cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, something X-rays cannot view. “MRI’s is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body. In many cases MRI gives different information about structures in the body than can be seen with an X-ray, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT) scan” ("Magnetic resonance imaging," 2011). MRI’s are not considered an emergent test. Patients that are considered clinically symptomatic for a stroke and a CT scan is negative for a hemorrhagic stroke may require an MRI. These people will be transported via ambulance or helicopter (depending on patient’s status) to a tertiary stroke center/hospital for further continuity of care. Eventually, during the first 24 hours of their stay, they may receive an MRI of the head depending on the neurologist. Also, I have taken care of some patients who presented with some type of abdominal pain. These patients receive a CT scan and it was negative. Normally when CT scans are negative but blood work and signs/symptoms are telling a different story, these patients are admitted and will eventually receive an ultrasound. Results of the ultrasound showed that the gall bladder was significantly inflamed and surgery was required. Normally, CT scans can identify this problem, but not all the time. Sometimes, CT scans might identify some abnormalities or masses in particular areas. When these are identified, a true diagnosis cannot be indicated. Patients normally need a biopsy in order to identify if the area or mass is cancer. “While imaging tests, such as X-rays, are helpful in detecting masses or areas of abnormality, they alone can’t differentiate cancerous cells from noncancerous cells” (Mayo Clinic staff, 2011).

#4 trina
How can organizations prepare and support healthcare IT? Discuss the impact of change at the organizational level. Discuss how organizations can plan to be successful using Fuller’s factors.

As stated in the module 6 overview, “success comes to organizations that are thoughtful in their approach to selecting, purchasing, designing, implementing, using, and maintaining technology.” To achieve this you have to have effective project management. Organizations can help prepare and support healthcare IT by using the five phases of every project: initiating, planning, execution, managing and controlling and closeout (Kudyba, 2010). There are various roles throughout the implementation process. Each one has specific tasks and milestones. “Implementation roles include executive sponsor, project director, team leader, clinical system analyst, educator, and super-user” (Kudyba, 2010).

The impact of change at the organizational level will affect not only management but also all of the people who need to learn the new system. This includes nurses, IT personnel, doctors and administrative staff. They will all require training on how the system works and how to maintain it once it is implemented.

The top 10 factors for successful implementation fit into one of “four buckets”: right people, right processes, right change management and right technology (Merrill, 2010). According to Fuller, as cited by Merrill (2010), the 10 factors are, right leadership, shared vision, right culture, governance, involvement of key stakeholders, resources, clinical content standardization, realistic timelines and expectations, effective training and communication plan and right vendor partnership
#5. Meosha
How can organizations prepare and support healthcare IT? Discuss the impact of change at the organizational level. Discuss how organizations can plan to be successful using Fuller’s factors.

Organizations prepare and support healthcare IT by following the 5 project management processes which are initiation, planning, executing, managing and controlling, and closing. It is mentioned in the module overview that implementing a CIS is not a guarantee for success for any healthcare organization. So in other words, Healthcare IT can have a positive or negative impact on the company. Example of negative impact as mentioned in the module. If a company does not thoughtful in their approach to an EMR, it will not benefit their organization. "There is no plug-and-play or out-the-box software solution at this level."
"Each of these factors (Fuller) helps to outline the key components necessary for an organization to master before the system “goes live.” Many of these factors have little to do with the technology itself; rather, it is about strategy and planning to ensure the organization is prepared to support the changes that will inherently come with an enterprise-wide system implementation." This is how an organization can plan to successful using Fuller’s factors.