You used an electronic index, a guideline index, and a web search engine to retrieve information relevant to your clinical problem. Compare and contrast your results. Which resources were useful/ not useful for your information retrieval task, and why? Identify some alternative strategies for retrieving relevant information - would context relevant information retrieval be useful? (You must be detailed enough here, so that your blog entry evidences your use of both NGC and Google).
I found all three resources to be beneficial, and all have their own purpose and function. I was most familiar with the electronic index, Pubmed due to my exposure to the process during most of my academic career. The only real downside to this type of search is that it requires the user to input search criteria that will yield particular results. This could be a problem if I wanted to search for a general idea or topic. The Google search engine is very simple, and familiar.
In the past I have strayed away from Google because of the fact that there is so much information contained in a Google search, and much of the information on Google Scholar requires you to purchase the articles that are retrieved. It is also sometimes difficult to establish credibility when faced with so many results. This problem can be remedied when using Google, if the user takes advantage of the optional or advanced searching techniques.
I found the NGC to be the least helpful resource for retrieving information. If I had specifically defined search criteria, it would be something that I might utilize. Mainly, I did not like the aesthetics or functionality of the database. I can see how the NGC would be beneficial to providers who are interested in practice guidelines and findings. One positive aspect of the NGC site is that you can compare resources. Furthermore, the NGC provides resources that are nationally recognized and credible which is something that other databases require the user to sift through and evaluate.
Another useful skill I learned during this module, was utilizing search engines as a means of developing ideas. For me, the most difficult part of educating myself about a subject of interest, is defining that subject. Starting out with broad search terms in a search engine will produce results which may contain more specific subject matter that would be of interest. Also, many programs allow the user to search for similar or related topics, headings, words, or subjects. This ultimately results in producing more information that is specific and focused.
Context relevant retrieval simplifies the process of information retrieval by allowing the user to associate search terms and develop proper search criteria. Because search results are a product of what the user inputs as a search term, knowing how to search is an invaluable skill. Formulating questions in the proper fashion is essential to obtaining correct information.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Module One Blog
1. Introduce yourself to the group. Include your graduate area:
I am currently in my third semester of the FNP program. My program thus far has incorporated science, diagnostics, statistics, and evaluation of evidenced based practice. Additionally, the FNP program has focused on exploring aspects of the healthcare system that will impact providers and patients in the near future. Considerations for underserved groups, special populations, and how to deal with those situations have been made during the delivery of our education. As the healthcare system in the United States evolves and grows, primary care providers will rely heavily on information technology to communicate patient and practice information. I have an interest in moving to a rural area following graduation. It will be of the utmost importance that I have the ability and knowledge to communicate with colleagues and patients despite the mileage. I will also rely on computer based patient information systems for lab results and history. I feel that this class is a good addition and supplement to the curriculum and will serve us well in the future.
2. Why do you as a graduate level nurse need to know about information management?
As a working nurse I see the importance of information management in the areas of the hospital that I have worked. After reviewing the information from our first module, I have also come to realize the wide-spread ways in which a primary care provider might rely on information management. Facilitation of instantaneous and dependable information storage and retrieval is essential to ensuring a continuum of care that will improve patient outcomes. Currently, I work in a healthcare system that is linked to a number of different hospitals across the Wasatch front. Frequently providers are able to pull records of patients during emergency situations that would be unavailable without database systems. Furthermore, I have in the past worked in emergency departments in which paper charting was still being used. That seemed to be labor intensive and prone to many problems, ie; losing the chart, illegible writing, and errors. The computer charting system that I currently use is windows based and makes my charting much easier and fast. I feel as though it is essential for me to continue to learn and utilize the resources that I have for information management. As a graduate student it will make my studies easier if I can navigate these systems with at least a basic understanding.
3. Describe what is happening related to IT in your clinical area.
The most impressive and interesting advancement that I have noticed in the Emergency Department is the use of data driven protocol. We have computer charting systems that drive our processes in the ER depending upon diagnostic criteria that providers and nurses input. For example, our hospital is a stroke center, and we use the NIHS stroke score for interventions. The computer charting system that we use forces the providers and nurses to input patient information and then recommends or suggests interventions based upon national criteria. This has lead to improved patient outcomes which are evident and traceable by statistical information that we are able to obtain and compute from additional information technology. I envision a continuing trend in process driven emergency care. I have seen a huge advantage with the utilization of information technology. It seems to take out the human component of error, while maintaining the invaluable provider discretion.
I am currently in my third semester of the FNP program. My program thus far has incorporated science, diagnostics, statistics, and evaluation of evidenced based practice. Additionally, the FNP program has focused on exploring aspects of the healthcare system that will impact providers and patients in the near future. Considerations for underserved groups, special populations, and how to deal with those situations have been made during the delivery of our education. As the healthcare system in the United States evolves and grows, primary care providers will rely heavily on information technology to communicate patient and practice information. I have an interest in moving to a rural area following graduation. It will be of the utmost importance that I have the ability and knowledge to communicate with colleagues and patients despite the mileage. I will also rely on computer based patient information systems for lab results and history. I feel that this class is a good addition and supplement to the curriculum and will serve us well in the future.
2. Why do you as a graduate level nurse need to know about information management?
As a working nurse I see the importance of information management in the areas of the hospital that I have worked. After reviewing the information from our first module, I have also come to realize the wide-spread ways in which a primary care provider might rely on information management. Facilitation of instantaneous and dependable information storage and retrieval is essential to ensuring a continuum of care that will improve patient outcomes. Currently, I work in a healthcare system that is linked to a number of different hospitals across the Wasatch front. Frequently providers are able to pull records of patients during emergency situations that would be unavailable without database systems. Furthermore, I have in the past worked in emergency departments in which paper charting was still being used. That seemed to be labor intensive and prone to many problems, ie; losing the chart, illegible writing, and errors. The computer charting system that I currently use is windows based and makes my charting much easier and fast. I feel as though it is essential for me to continue to learn and utilize the resources that I have for information management. As a graduate student it will make my studies easier if I can navigate these systems with at least a basic understanding.
3. Describe what is happening related to IT in your clinical area.
The most impressive and interesting advancement that I have noticed in the Emergency Department is the use of data driven protocol. We have computer charting systems that drive our processes in the ER depending upon diagnostic criteria that providers and nurses input. For example, our hospital is a stroke center, and we use the NIHS stroke score for interventions. The computer charting system that we use forces the providers and nurses to input patient information and then recommends or suggests interventions based upon national criteria. This has lead to improved patient outcomes which are evident and traceable by statistical information that we are able to obtain and compute from additional information technology. I envision a continuing trend in process driven emergency care. I have seen a huge advantage with the utilization of information technology. It seems to take out the human component of error, while maintaining the invaluable provider discretion.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Ahh, the blog.
Hello fellow class mates. I'm sorry that it has taken me so long to get this blog up and running. I have had an interesting couple of weeks. I'm excited about the idea that we have a class that it offering a different spin on assignments. This is a good way to comunicate with eachother and check in on whats happening in the class. Well, I hope to see the rest of your blogs and hope we all have a great semester!
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