Week 8: The Influence of Social Determinants of Health in Technology
Social determinants of health can be categorized into five distinct areas: economics, education, healthcare access and quality, environment, and social/community. These five areas can be widely varied resulting in healthcare disparity. These disparities highlight that “healthy choices” are not enough, rather these disparities must be understood and addressed to improve these disparities.
How might these disparities impact your healthcare organization or nursing practice? How might you analyze the impact and influence of social determinants of health on technology? Why is this analysis important to your healthcare organization or nursing practice?
This week, you will examine the social determinants of health in technology. You will explore your understanding of health literacy and examine potential impacts on your healthcare organization or nursing practice. You will also consider and recommend strategies to overcome barriers and challenges related to these social determinants.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Analyze how social determinants of health impact clinical practice in healthcare settings
- Analyze health literacy
- Evaluate implications for lack of health literacy in nursing practice
- Analyze impacts of COVID-19 for social determinants of health in healthcare organizations and nursing practice
- Recommend strategies to address barriers and challenges related to social determinants of health for nursing practice
- Justify implementation strategies for a nursing informatics project*
- Analyze implementation and progress tracking of a nursing informatics project*
- Synthesize lessons learned from implementing a nursing informatics project*
* Assigned in Week 6 of Module 3 and submitted in Week 9 of Module 4
Learning Resources
Required Readings (click to expand/reduce)
Social Determinants (click to expand/reduce)
HIT on Patient Outcomes (click to expand/reduce)
Health Economics (click to expand/reduce)
Required Media (click to expand/reduce)
Optional Resource (click to expand/reduce)
https://academics.waldenu.edu/catalog/courses/nurs-1/8210
Blog: The Intersection of Social Determinants of Health on HIT and Patient Outcomes
- Health literacy is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as, “the cognitive and social skills which determine the motivation and ability of individuals to gain access to, understand, and use information in ways that promote and maintain good health” (n.d.). The American Medical Association (AMA) defines health literacy as, “a constellation of skills, including the ability to perform basic reading and numerical tasks required to function in the health care environment” (Baker, 2006). These definitions highlight the importance of health literacy for both healthcare workers and patients.
Whether it is the ability to fully analyze and interpret a researched study, or to speak to patients in a way that gains their trust and develops their understanding, health literacy directly relates to patient care.
However, understanding the importance of health literacy does not directly correlate to effective health literacy, so how does health literacy impact patient outcomes? What barriers or social determinants might impact health literacy?
For this Discussion, reflect on your understanding of health literacy, health information technology, and health economics. Consider the impact of each of these topics and explore how they are related to patient care. You will also recommend strategies to overcome potential barriers as they relate to the topics.
References:
Baker, D. W. (2006). The meaning and measure of health literacy. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 21(8), 878–883. doi:10.1111/j.1525-1497.2006.00540.x
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Health promotion. https://www.who.int/teams/health-promotion/enhanced-wellbeing/seventh-global-conference/health-literacy#:~:text=Health%20Literacy%20has%20been%20defined,promote%20and%20maintain%20good%20health
To Prepare
- Review the Learning Resources associated with the topics: Health Literacy, Health Information Technology (HIT) on Patient Outcomes, and Health Economics.
- Consider the role of each of these topics in influencing how healthcare is delivered and practiced in your healthcare organization or nursing practice.
- Reflect on how COVID-19 might have impacted each of these topics, including potential\ barriers or challenges for future implementation.
In the context of healthcare, health literacy plays a crucial role in patient outcomes, as it directly affects individuals’ ability to access, understand, and utilize health information effectively. Health literacy encompasses various skills, including reading, numeracy, and critical thinking, which are essential for navigating the complex healthcare system and making informed decisions about one’s health.
Health information technology (HIT) can both positively and negatively impact health literacy and patient outcomes. On one hand, digital health tools, such as patient portals and mobile health applications, have the potential to enhance health literacy by providing accessible and user-friendly resources for patients to access health information, track their health metrics, and communicate with healthcare providers. These technologies can empower patients to take a more active role in managing their health and make informed decisions about their care.
However, the adoption and implementation of HIT also pose challenges related to health literacy. Not all patients have equal access to technology or possess the digital literacy skills necessary to navigate these platforms effectively. Furthermore, the overwhelming amount of health information available online can lead to confusion and misinformation, particularly for individuals with limited health literacy skills. Healthcare organizations must ensure that digital health tools are designed with usability and accessibility in mind, taking into account the diverse needs and abilities of their patient populations.
Health economics, on the other hand, influences healthcare delivery and patient outcomes through its impact on access to care, healthcare costs, and resource allocation. Socioeconomic factors, such as income level, education, and employment status, can significantly affect individuals’ health outcomes and their ability to access and afford healthcare services. Disparities in health literacy and access to care exacerbate existing inequalities in healthcare, leading to disparities in health outcomes among different population groups.
COVID-19 has further highlighted the importance of addressing health literacy, HIT, and health economics in healthcare delivery. The pandemic has underscored the need for clear and accurate health communication to combat misinformation and promote public health measures effectively. Additionally, the rapid adoption of telehealth and virtual care solutions during the pandemic has raised questions about equitable access to healthcare services and the digital divide.
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An Original Human-Crafted Assignment
To overcome potential barriers related to health literacy, HIT, and health economics, healthcare organizations can implement strategies such as:
- Providing patient education materials in plain language and multiple formats to accommodate diverse literacy levels and preferences.
- Offering training and support for patients to navigate digital health tools effectively, including assistance with setting up patient portals and using mobile applications.
- Addressing social determinants of health through community partnerships and initiatives aimed at improving access to healthcare services and addressing underlying socioeconomic factors.
- Advocating for policies and programs that promote health equity and address disparities in access to care and health outcomes.
By addressing these factors comprehensively, healthcare organizations can work towards improving health literacy, leveraging HIT to enhance patient outcomes, and promoting health equity for all individuals.
Week 8: The Influence of Social Determinants of Health in Technology
By Day 3 of Week 8
Post a cohesive response that addresses the following:
- Explain how Health Literacy, HIT on Patient Outcomes, and Health Economics may be integrated into and impact clinical practice for your healthcare organization or nursing practice. Be specific and provide examples.
- Describe your understanding of the concept of health literacy. Why is it important to understand implications for the lack of health literacy for nursing practice?
- Discuss and evaluate how COVID-19 may have impacted each of these topics for healthcare delivery and nursing practice. Be specific.
- Recommend at least two strategies you might implement for overcoming challenges/barriers related to these topics in your healthcare organization or nursing practice.
Integrating Health Literacy, Health Information Technology (HIT) on Patient Outcomes, and Health Economics into clinical practice is essential for improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. In my healthcare organization, these concepts intersect to shape how care is provided and accessed by patients:
- Health Literacy: Health literacy refers to an individual’s ability to understand and use health information effectively to make informed decisions about their health. In clinical practice, healthcare providers must communicate information in a clear and understandable manner, tailored to patients’ literacy levels and cultural backgrounds. For example, nurses may use teach-back techniques to assess patients’ understanding of medical instructions and provide written materials in plain language. Understanding health literacy is crucial for nursing practice because patients with limited health literacy may struggle to follow treatment plans, leading to poorer health outcomes and increased healthcare costs.
- HIT on Patient Outcomes: HIT encompasses various technologies, such as electronic health records (EHRs), telehealth platforms, and mobile health apps, which can influence patient outcomes. For instance, EHRs allow healthcare providers to access patients’ medical histories and coordinate care more efficiently. Telehealth enables remote consultations and monitoring, improving access to care, especially for patients in rural or underserved areas. However, the impact of HIT on patient outcomes depends on factors such as usability, accessibility, and patient engagement with these technologies. Nurses play a crucial role in educating patients about using HIT tools effectively and advocating for technology solutions that meet patients’ needs.
- Health Economics: Health economics examines the allocation of healthcare resources and the impact of financial incentives on healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. In clinical practice, nurses must consider the cost-effectiveness of treatments and interventions while delivering high-quality care. For example, nurses may collaborate with healthcare administrators to develop care pathways that optimize resource utilization and minimize unnecessary healthcare spending. Understanding health economics helps nurses advocate for policies and practices that promote equitable access to care and improve health outcomes for all patients.
COVID-19 has significantly impacted each of these topics in healthcare delivery and nursing practice:
- Health Literacy: The pandemic has highlighted the importance of clear and accurate health communication to combat misinformation and promote public health measures. Nurses have played a vital role in educating patients about COVID-19 prevention strategies and vaccination efforts, emphasizing the importance of understanding health information for making informed decisions about their health.
- HIT on Patient Outcomes: COVID-19 has accelerated the adoption of telehealth and virtual care solutions as healthcare organizations sought to minimize in-person interactions and reduce the spread of the virus. Nurses have adapted to delivering care remotely through telehealth platforms, leveraging HIT to maintain continuity of care and support patient outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations.
- Health Economics: The pandemic has strained healthcare systems and exacerbated existing disparities in access to care and health outcomes. Nurses have faced challenges related to resource allocation and healthcare financing, advocating for equitable distribution of resources and addressing social determinants of health that impact patient outcomes.
To overcome challenges related to these topics, healthcare organizations and nursing practice can implement strategies such as:
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An Original Human-Crafted Assignment
- Enhancing health literacy through patient education programs and communication tools that promote understanding of health information.
- Investing in user-friendly HIT solutions and providing training for healthcare providers and patients to optimize their use.
- Addressing social determinants of health and advocating for policies that promote health equity and access to care for all individuals.
By integrating these concepts into clinical practice and addressing challenges collaboratively, nurses can contribute to improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes in their organizations and communities.
By Day 5 of Week 8
Read a selection of your colleagues’ blog posts and respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days by expanding upon their responses or sharing additional or alternative perspectives.
**Response to Colleague 1:**
I appreciate your comprehensive overview of how Health Literacy, HIT on Patient Outcomes, and Health Economics intersect in clinical practice. Your explanation of the importance of these concepts and their impact on nursing practice is insightful.
Regarding health literacy, I agree that nurses play a crucial role in addressing the implications of low health literacy among patients. It’s essential to recognize that health literacy goes beyond simply providing information; it also involves ensuring patients can comprehend and apply that information effectively. As nurses, we must employ various communication strategies and tools to meet patients at their level of understanding and empower them to make informed decisions about their health.
Your analysis of HIT on patient outcomes highlights the transformative potential of technology in healthcare delivery, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth, in particular, has emerged as a valuable tool for providing care while minimizing exposure risks. However, it’s important to acknowledge that access to technology and digital literacy can be barriers for some patients, especially those from underserved communities. Nurses should advocate for equitable access to HIT resources and provide support to patients in navigating these technologies.
Lastly, your discussion of health economics underscores the need for nurses to consider the cost-effectiveness of care delivery. As frontline healthcare providers, nurses are well-positioned to identify opportunities for streamlining processes and optimizing resource allocation to improve patient outcomes while minimizing financial burdens. By advocating for evidence-based practices and participating in interdisciplinary collaborations, nurses can contribute to more efficient and equitable healthcare systems.
Overall, your post effectively highlights the multifaceted nature of nursing practice and the importance of addressing health literacy, HIT, and health economics to promote positive patient outcomes.
**Response to Colleague 2:**
Your blog post provides a thorough analysis of the intersection between health literacy, HIT on Patient Outcomes, and health economics in nursing practice. I appreciate your insights into how these concepts influence clinical decision-making and patient care delivery.
Your discussion of health literacy emphasizes the critical role of nurses in promoting patient understanding and engagement in healthcare. By tailoring communication strategies to meet individual patient needs and preferences, nurses can enhance health literacy and empower patients to actively participate in their care. Additionally, your mention of the impact of health literacy on patient safety underscores the importance of clear and concise health communication in preventing adverse events.
Regarding HIT on patient outcomes, your exploration of telehealth’s role in healthcare delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic is particularly relevant. Telehealth has emerged as a valuable tool for delivering remote care and monitoring patient health, especially for individuals with chronic conditions or limited mobility. However, as you mentioned, disparities in access to technology and digital literacy can pose challenges for some patients. Nurses must address these barriers and advocate for inclusive telehealth solutions that prioritize patient needs and preferences.
Your discussion of health economics highlights the need for nurses to consider cost-effectiveness and resource allocation in clinical practice. By incorporating principles of health economics into decision-making processes, nurses can contribute to more efficient and sustainable healthcare delivery models. Your emphasis on the importance of evidence-based practices and interdisciplinary collaboration aligns with best practices for promoting positive patient outcomes while optimizing resource utilization.
Overall, your blog post provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between health literacy, HIT, and health economics in nursing practice. Your thoughtful analysis and recommendations offer practical strategies for addressing these challenges and improving patient care delivery.
Submission and Grading Information
Grading Criteria
To access your rubric:
Week 8 Blog Rubric
Post by Day 3 of Week 8 and Respond by Day 5 of Week 8
To Participate in this Blog:
Week 8 Blog
Assignment: Developing a Small Nursing Informatics Project for Your Organization, Part 2: Implementation (Continued)
- Evaluate how well your small nursing informatics project was designed, planned, and implemented.
Continue to implement your small nursing informatics project, or propose how you might implement your project, applying the 10 tracking documents developed in Part 1. Now track your project to make sure the implementation is going as planned. Remember, the goal of this project is to demonstrate, through a small nursing informatics project, your understanding of nursing informatics. - Photo Credit: auremar / Adobe Stock
The Assignment: (17-20 pages)
Activities to track with application of tools:
- Is the project staying within scope? (Scope)
- Were all of the gaps identified? (Gap Analysis)
- Is the project following the timeline? (Project timeline)
- If you had a budget, is it on track?
- Were all of the work activities correctly assigned? (WBS)
- Are team members responsible? (RACI)
- Did the project start on time, inline to meet due date? (Gantt)
- Are you holding weekly status meetings and documented all activities? Are all team members in attendance and communicated with? (Communication Plan)
- Are all changes approved and documented? (Change Management Plan)
- Are all risks identified, prioritized, assigned an owner and mitigation plan developed? (Risk Management Plan)
Using these activities above for guidance, continue to work on Part 2, the Project Final paper and presentation. The 10 documents from Part 1 will be added to the final paper as appendices. The paper, 17-20 pages not including references, will include a comprehensive description of the process and evaluation of the status of each activity.
The final summary will include the complete evaluation of the full project and lessons learned: what went well and what needs updated and revised.
In addition to the scholarly paper, you will also construct a 10-15 slide, narrated presentation for the stakeholders in your project. You will have the opportunity to share your presentation with your colleagues, prior to the final submission, for critique and feedback.
Part 2 is due by Day 7 of Week 9.
You are not required to submit this assignment this week.
What’s Coming Up in Module 5?
- Photo Credit: [BrianAJackson]/[iStock / Getty Images Plus]/Getty Images
In the next module, you will explore and analyze nursing informatics and project management. You will conclude your small nursing informatics project, demonstrating your understanding of nursing informatics through the use of project management skills and strategies.
Week 8: The Influence of Social Determinants of Health in Technology
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