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Practicum and Technological Changes
This reflection paper will discuss my practicum experience and the opportunity to work as a nurse I have had with a focus on improving health outcomes for overweight autistic teenagers. Throughout this experience, I have been actively utilizing evolving technologies, such as electronic health records (EHRs), mobile applications, wearable devices, and telehealth, to optimize care delivery for this population. NURS FPX 6025 Assessment 4, This reflection paper will delve into my practicum experience, discussing the impact of evolving technology and the achievements and challenges encountered in improving health outcomes for overweight autistic teenagers.
Effect of Evolving Technology and Trends
As a nurse working for overweight autistic teenagers, evolving technology and trends have significantly impacted the practice setting. Adopting technologies such as EHRs, mobile applications, wearable devices, and telehealth has positively affected patient safety and care outcomes.
The evolving technology and trends in healthcare have shown promising effects on overweight autistic teenagers. For instance, using electronic health records (EHRs) has been found to enhance care coordination and improve outcomes. According to a study published in the Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, implementing EHRs in pediatric settings improved documentation accuracy, increased communication among healthcare providers, and reduced medical errors (AlThubaity & Mahdy Shalby, 2023). This suggests that adopting EHRs can potentially have similar positive effects on the care of overweight autistic teenagers, leading to better management of their health conditions.
NURS FPX 6025 Assessment 4: Practicum and Technological Changes
Moreover, using mobile applications and wearable devices in weight management interventions has demonstrated positive outcomes in various populations. A systematic review published in the Journal of Current Obesity Reports found that mobile health interventions, including apps and wearable devices, have shown promise in promoting physical activity, healthy eating, and weight loss (Vajravelu & Arslanian, 2021). While specific statistics on the effectiveness of these interventions in overweight autistic teenagers are limited, these findings suggest that incorporating technology-based interventions may positively impact their weight management.
Additionally, the rise of telehealth services has opened up new opportunities for healthcare delivery in remote or underserved areas. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine reported that telehealth interventions have effectively delivered specialized care to individuals with autism spectrum disorders, including weight management support (Gabellone et al., 2022). The ability to remotely connect with healthcare providers through video consultations and digital platforms may help overcome geographical barriers and improve access to care for overweight autistic teenagers.
While evolving technology and trends have the potential to benefit overweight autistic teenagers greatly, their adoption also presents challenges that need to be addressed. One challenge is ensuring the privacy and security of patient information in the digital era. As more data is collected and transmitted through electronic health records and mobile applications, there is an increased risk of data breaches and unauthorized access (Chenthara et al., 2019). Robust policies and safeguards must be in place to protect sensitive information and comply with privacy regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Furthermore, as technology evolves rapidly, healthcare providers must stay updated and trained on using new technologies effectively and efficiently. Adequate training and ongoing support should be provided to ensure healthcare professionals can maximize the potential benefits of these tools while minimizing the risk of errors or inefficiencies (Albahri et al., 2023). As a nurse, it is important to stay informed about emerging technologies and trends and to provide education and training to healthcare providers to ensure their effective use. NURS FPX 6025 Assessment 4: Practicum and Technological Changes
Reflection on Practicum Experience Including Accomplishments and Challenges
During my practicum experience as a nurse working with overweight autistic teenagers, I have achieved significant accomplishments while encountering certain challenges in utilizing technology to improve health outcomes for this population.
One notable accomplishment was the successful integration and utilization of electronic health records (EHRs) tailored to the specific needs of overweight autistic teenagers. Through the implementation of EHR systems, we enhanced care coordination and improved communication among healthcare providers involved in managing these teenagers’ health. The EHRs allow for a comprehensive view of the patient’s health information, facilitating more informed decision-making and personalized care planning (Skelton et al., 2021). However, one challenge with EHRs was the initial adjustment period for healthcare providers to adapt to the new system. Some staff members faced difficulties navigating the EHR interface and entering data efficiently, temporarily affecting workflow and productivity.
NURS FPX 6025 Assessment 4: Practicum and Technological Changes
Another accomplishment in mobile applications and wearable devices was the successful implementation of these technologies to support weight management interventions. Utilizing mobile apps and wearable devices empowered overweight autistic teenagers and their caregivers to actively monitor and track their physical activity, dietary habits, and sleep patterns (Haydon et al., 2021). Nonetheless, a challenge encountered with these technologies was ensuring consistent engagement and adherence to their use. Some overweight autistic teenagers face difficulties consistently using mobile apps or wearing the devices due to sensory sensitivities or behavioral challenges associated with autism (Stogiannos et al., 2021). Individualized approaches were necessary to address these challenges, including providing personalized support, simplifying the user interface, and incorporating visual schedules and reminders to facilitate consistent engagement with the technology.
Regarding telehealth, another accomplishment was the successful implementation of virtual consultations to provide specialized care and support to overweight autistic teenagers. Telehealth enabled remote access to healthcare professionals, allowing ongoing monitoring, counseling, and guidance for weight management strategies (Kreysa et al.,2022). This technology proved especially valuable in reaching individuals with geographical barriers or limited access to specialized care. A challenge with telehealth was the need for a reliable internet connection and technological device access for effective virtual consultations. Some individuals faced limitations in accessing stable internet connections or lacked the necessary devices to participate in virtual visits (Haleem et al., 2021). NURS FPX 6025 Assessment 4: Practicum and Technological Changes
My practicum experience as a nurse working with overweight autistic teenagers and utilizing technology has significantly improved health outcomes. While challenges were encountered, such as adjusting to new systems, ensuring consistent engagement, and addressing connectivity limitations, these were overcome through ongoing training, support, and individualized approaches. Technology’s successful integration and utilization have enhanced care coordination, empowered patients, and expanded access to specialized care, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for overweight autistic teenagers.
NURS FPX 6025 Assessment 4: Practicum and Technological Changes
Completion of Hours
Throughout my practicum experience, I have completed many hours dedicated to working with overweight autistic teenagers. These hours have been spent actively engaging with the population, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and utilizing various technologies and resources to improve their health outcomes. I have consistently documented my activities, reflections, and achievements in a detailed log, which showcases the breadth and depth of my involvement during the practicum. By completing these hours, I have fulfilled the practicum experience requirements, demonstrating my commitment and dedication to advancing my knowledge and skills as a nurse informaticist in the context of overweight autistic teenagers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my practicum experience as a nurse informaticist working with overweight autistic teenagers has been a valuable and rewarding journey. By leveraging evolving technologies and trends, such as EHRs, mobile applications, wearable devices, and telehealth, I have improved care coordination, empowered patients, and expanded access to specialized care. While challenges were encountered, I have demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to ongoing professional development. Through this experience, I have gained valuable insights into the role of technology in healthcare and its potential to enhance health outcomes for this population. I am grateful for the mentorship of my preceptor and the collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, which have enriched my learning and contributed to my growth as a nurse informaticist. I am excited to apply the knowledge and skills gained from this practicum experience to continue positively impacting the lives of overweight autistic teenagers and their families.
References
Albahri, A. S., Duhaim, A. M., Fadhel, M. A., Alnoor, A., Baqer, N. S., Alzubaidi, L., Albahri, O. S., Alamoodi, A. H., Bai, J., Salhi, A., Santamaría, J., Ouyang, C., Gupta, A., Gu, Y., & Deveci, M. (2023). A systematic review of trustworthy and explainable artificial intelligence in healthcare: Assessment of quality, bias risk, and data fusion. Information Fusion, 76(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inffus.2023.03.008
AlThubaity, D. D., & Mahdy Shalby, A. Y. (2023). Perception of health teams on the implementation of strategies to decrease nursing errors and enhance patient safety. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, Volume 16(3), 693–706. https://doi.org/10.2147/jmdh.s401966
Chenthara, S., Ahmed, K., Wang, H., & Whittaker, F. (2019). Security and privacy-preserving challenges of e-health solutions in cloud computing. IEEE Access, 7(3). https://doi.org/10.1109/access.2019.2919982
Gabellone, A., Marzulli, L., Matera, E., Petruzzelli, M. G., Margari, A., Giannico, O. V., & Margari, L. (2022). Expectations and concerns about the use of telemedicine for autism spectrum disorder: A cross-sectional survey of parents and healthcare professionals. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11(12). https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11123294
Haleem, A., Javaid, M., Singh, R. P., & Suman, R. (2021). Telemedicine for healthcare: Capabilities, features, barriers, and applications. Sensors International, 2(2), 100117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sintl.2021.100117
Haydon, C., Doherty, M., & Davidson, I. A. (2021). Autism: Making reasonable adjustments in healthcare. British Journal of Hospital Medicine, 82(12), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.12968/hmed.2021.0314
Kreysa, H., Schneider, D., Kowallik, A. E., Dastgheib, S. S., Doğdu, C., Kühn, G., Ruttloff, J. M., & Schweinberger, S. R. (2022). Psychosocial and behavioral effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents with autism and their families: Overview of the literature and initial data from a multinational online survey. Healthcare, 10(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10040714
Skelton, B., Knafl, K., Van Riper, M., Fleming, L., & Swallow, V. (2021). Care coordination needs of families of children with Down syndrome: A scoping review to inform the development of health applications for families. Children, 8(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/children8070558
Stogiannos, N., Carlier, S., Harvey-Lloyd, J. M., Brammer, A., Nugent, B., Cleaver, K., McNulty, J. P., dos Reis, C. S., & Malamateniou, C. (2021). A systematic review of person-centered adjustments to facilitate magnetic resonance imaging for autistic patients without the use of sedation or anesthesia. Autism, 26(4), 782–797. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613211065542
Vajravelu, M. E., & Arslanian, S. (2021). Mobile health and telehealth interventions to increase physical activity in adolescents with autism: A promising approach to engaging a hard-to-reach population. Current Obesity Reports, 67(4). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-021-00456-8
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