Merging Ethics and Information Technology

Analyze ethical and nursing informatics practice standards within the context of healthcare delivery.

Scenario
You are a nursing manager of the education and innovations department at a large nonprofit academic medical center. You work at the flagship hospital and there are three additional campuses and several affiliated facilities throughout three additional states. Therefore, technology is heavily relied upon for consistent and reliable communication for interdisciplinary care. Recently, the CNO sent you a

patient satisfaction survey highlighting how impressed this patient was with their nurse’s timeliness of answering their questions. The patient continued to share that the nurse used their personal cell phone to reach out to the patient’s provider to get clarification of the patient’s discharge instructions. The patient loved their quick response and wanted to highlight this as a best practice for all healthcare professionals.

You have just completed a technology usage assessment of the healthcare staff across departments and it has come to your attention that several nurses occasionally communicate with medical providers through text on their personal cell phones, using their phone’s messaging service. The nurses found that they are able to meet their patient needs more quickly. Your assessment also discovered that a nurse used their personal cell phone to take a picture of a patient’s foot ulcer. The picture was posted on social media as a reminder to diabetics the importance of managing their blood sugars. As the nursing education manager, it is your responsibility to ensure staff are following the hospital polices and your technology assessment has highlighted that the staff is in urgent need of HIPAA training and Smart Phone use.

Use the scenario above to create a mandatory training for all staff using PowerPoint with voice over including the following:
o Examine personal Smart Phone use and its implications in Healthcare
o Identify and explain a minimum of 3 unethical uses of Smartphones in healthcare (including text messaging and pictures)
o Discuss potential benefits to appropriate Smartphone use in healthcare
o Examine judicious use of Social Media and its implications in Healthcare
o Potential benefits to appropriate use of Social Media in healthcare
o Identify a minimum of 3 unethical uses of Social Media (as reviewed by NCSBN

o Describe regulatory bodies and Ethical Frameworks used to protect Personal Health Information (PHI)
o Investigate the role of HIPAA, HITECH, and Nursing Code of Ethics
o Present possible legal consequences associated with unethical or illegal Smart Phone and Social Media use.

Full Answer Section

         

(Voiceover): Social media can be a powerful tool for healthcare professionals, but it must be used responsibly and ethically.

Slide 6: Unethical Social Media Use in Healthcare

Title: Unethical Social Media Practices in Healthcare

Bullet Points:

  • Sharing Patient Information: Posting about patients, even without identifying details, can compromise their privacy and violate HIPAA regulations.

  • Venting About Work: Sharing negative or inappropriate comments about patients, colleagues, or the workplace on social media can be unprofessional and damaging to your reputation.

  • Soliciting or Accepting Gifts from Patients: Using social media to solicit gifts or engage in inappropriate relationships with patients is a serious ethical violation.

(Voiceover):

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has outlined specific ethical guidelines for social media use, which we will review in more detail later.

Slide 7: Regulatory Bodies and Ethical Frameworks

Title: Protecting Patient Privacy: HIPAA, HITECH, and Nursing Code of Ethics

Bullet Points:

  • HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): This federal law protects patient privacy and ensures the secure handling of protected health information (PHI).

  • HITECH (Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act): This act strengthened HIPAA regulations and promoted the use of electronic health records (EHRs) while protecting patient privacy.

  • Nursing Code of Ethics: The American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics provides a framework for ethical decision-making in nursing practice, emphasizing patient advocacy, confidentiality, and professional integrity.

(Voiceover): These regulations and ethical frameworks are essential for protecting patient privacy and ensuring responsible use of technology in healthcare.

Slide 8: Legal Consequences

Title: Legal Consequences of Unethical or Illegal Smartphone and Social Media Use

Bullet Points:

  • HIPAA Violations: Significant fines and penalties can be levied against individuals and organizations for violating HIPAA regulations.

  • Civil Lawsuits: Patients can file civil lawsuits against nurses who violate their privacy or cause harm through unethical social media use.

  • Loss of License or Employment: Unethical or illegal conduct can lead to disciplinary action by the board of nursing, including license suspension or revocation, and can also result in job termination.

(Voiceover): The consequences of violating ethical and legal guidelines can be severe. It is imperative that we all adhere to these standards to protect patients and maintain our professional integrity.

Slide 9: Key Takeaways

Title: Responsible Use of Smartphones and Social Media in Healthcare

Bullet Points:

  • Know the Rules: Familiarize yourself with your organization's policies and procedures for smartphone and social media use.

  • Protect Patient Privacy: Always prioritize patient confidentiality and avoid sharing any patient information online.

  • Maintain Professionalism: Use social media responsibly and ethically, avoiding unprofessional or inappropriate posts.

  • Report Violations: If you observe any potential violations of HIPAA regulations or ethical guidelines, report them to the appropriate authorities.

(Voiceover): Remember, our primary responsibility is to provide safe and ethical care to our patients. By using technology responsibly and adhering to these guidelines, we can ensure that we maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and safeguard patient privacy.

Slide 10: Conclusion

Title: A Commitment to Ethical and Safe Practices

Image: A positive image of a healthcare team interacting with a patient.

(Voiceover):

By embracing ethical practices and using technology responsibly, we can create a safer and more secure environment for our patients and strengthen the trust and integrity of the nursing profession.

 

Sample Answer

         

Mandatory Training: Smart Phone and Social Media Use in Healthcare

(PowerPoint with Voiceover)

Slide 1: Title Slide

Title: Smart Phone and Social Media Use in Healthcare: A Guide to Ethical and Safe Practices

Subtitle: Mandatory Training for All Staff

(Voiceover):

Welcome everyone. Today we're going to discuss the use of smartphones and social media in healthcare, a topic that requires our careful attention. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into our work, it's crucial that we use these tools responsibly and ethically to protect patient privacy and maintain the highest standards of care.

Slide 2: Examining Personal Smartphone Use in Healthcare

Title: Smartphones in Healthcare: A Double-Edged Sword

Bullet Points:

  • Increased Efficiency: Smartphones can enhance communication and access to information, potentially improving efficiency in patient care.

  • Potential for Misuse: However, the use of personal smartphones in healthcare settings poses significant risks related to patient privacy, security, and professional boundaries.

(Voiceover):

Smartphones offer many benefits, but they also come with potential risks. It's essential to understand these risks and implement safeguards to ensure ethical and safe use.

Slide 3: Unethical Smartphone Use in Healthcare

Title: Unethical Uses of Smartphones in Healthcare

Bullet Points:

  • Texting with Medical Providers: Using personal cell phones to communicate with providers can compromise patient privacy, as sensitive information might be shared through unsecured platforms.

  • Taking and Sharing Patient Photos: Taking pictures of patients without their explicit consent is a clear violation of privacy and can lead to legal repercussions. Posting patient photos on social media, even with good intentions, is unethical and illegal.

  • Accessing PHI on Personal Devices: Using personal smartphones to access or store patient health information violates HIPAA regulations and can lead to serious consequences.

(Voiceover):

The examples we discussed earlier highlight several unethical and potentially illegal uses of smartphones in healthcare. These practices can have serious consequences for both patients and staff.

Slide 4: Benefits of Appropriate Smartphone Use in Healthcare

Title: Harnessing the Power of Smartphones for Ethical Care

Bullet Points:

  • Communication Enhancement: Smartphones can be used for secure communication with colleagues and providers using approved platforms.

  • Access to Medical Information: Using hospital-approved apps and platforms, nurses can access medical information and reference materials to enhance patient care.

  • Documentation Tools: Mobile apps and platforms can be used for secure documentation and charting, improving efficiency and accuracy.

(Voiceover):

It's crucial to remember that while smartphones offer potential benefits, they should only be used within the confines of established policies and regulations.

Slide 5: Social Media: Navigating the Digital Landscape

Title: Social Media in Healthcare: Opportunities and Challenges

Bullet Points:

  • Information Sharing: Social media platforms can be useful for sharing health information and promoting public awareness about health issues.

  • Networking and Advocacy: Nurses can use social media to connect with colleagues, advocate for patient rights, and participate in professional discussions.

  • Potential Risks: Social media use can also lead to privacy violations, unprofessional conduct, and legal ramifications.