Healthcare professional to be an effective patient advocate

As mentioned in the lesson, for the healthcare professional to be an effective patient advocate, he or she must understand how information technology affects the patient and the subsequent delivery of care. Continue to reflect upon what does this statement means to you and your responsibilities as a future APN. Provide a brief response (100 words or less)

Full Answer Section

    As a healthcare professional, it is my responsibility to understand how IT affects patients and the subsequent delivery of care. I need to be able to use IT systems effectively and communicate with patients about how to use these systems safely and securely. I also need to be aware of the potential risks associated with IT and take steps to protect patient data. Here are some specific ways that I can fulfill my responsibility as a patient advocate in the context of IT:
  • Educate patients about IT. I can help patients understand how to use IT systems to access their medical records, schedule appointments, and communicate with their healthcare providers. I can also teach patients about how to protect their privacy and security when using IT systems.
  • Use IT systems to improve patient care. I can use IT systems to streamline administrative tasks, such as ordering medications and scheduling tests. This will free up more of my time to spend with patients. I can also use IT systems to provide patients with personalized health information and education.
  • Advocate for patient safety and security. I can work to ensure that IT systems are used in a way that protects patient data. I can also speak out against the use of IT systems that are harmful or ineffective.
I believe that IT has the potential to revolutionize healthcare. By understanding and using IT effectively, I can be a more effective patient advocate and help to improve the quality of care that my patients receive.  

Sample Answer

   

As a future APN, I understand that information technology (IT) plays an increasingly important role in healthcare. IT can be used to improve communication between patients and healthcare providers, streamline administrative tasks, and provide patients with access to their medical records and other important health information.

However, IT can also create challenges for patients and healthcare providers. For example, patients may have difficulty understanding and using complex IT systems. Additionally, IT systems can be vulnerable to security breaches, which could put patient data at risk.