Ways in which information and digital literacy impact the decision making process
Information and digital literacy impacts the decision-making process in multiple ways from academic research to personal interest. More than ever before, information is at our fingertips and coming at us with lightning speed. How do we sift and use this information (CO1)? Step 4 of the Big 6 model relates to our use of information and the process of engaging and extracting relevant information. Next, Step 5 of the Big 6 approach focuses on synthesis of information (CO8).
Find an article online about health and wellness, buying a car, hobbies, or planning for a vacation. Read the article and consider the following:
How will you synthesize and present the content of the article to share?
What do you want the class to know and what do they need to know?
How will you share the information so that the content is clear and concise?
Sample Solution
Discharge Resources for Chronic Cardiorespiratory Issues: Promoting Independence and Preventing Readmission
Chronic cardiorespiratory issues like heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma impose significant challenges on patients and healthcare systems. Effective discharge planning plays a crucial role in supporting patient independence, preventing readmission, and reducing associated costs. Here's an overview of available resources and their impacts:
Resources:
- Home healthcare: Nurses and therapists can provide essential post-discharge care, like medication management, wound care, respiratory therapy, and physical therapy. This support aids in managing symptoms, performing daily activities, and adapting to equipment like nebulizers or oxygen concentrators.
- Telehealth: Remote consultations with healthcare providers enable timely monitoring, medication adjustments, and early intervention to address potential complications, reducing the need for emergency room visits or readmissions.
- Patient education and support groups: Educational programs on disease management, medication adherence, symptom recognition, and healthy lifestyle choices empower patients to manage their condition effectively and identify early warning signs of deterioration. Support groups provide emotional support and connection with others facing similar challenges, promoting adherence and well-being.
- Social supports: Connecting patients with community resources like transportation assistance, meal delivery programs, and caregiver support groups helps address non-medical needs that can impact disease management and quality of life.
Full Answer Section
Impact on Readmission:
- Reduces cost burden: Readmissions are expensive for both patients and healthcare systems due to rehospitalization costs, lost productivity, and potential long-term consequences. Effective discharge planning that minimizes readmissions leads to significant cost savings.
- Improves patient outcomes: Avoiding readmissions allows patients to maintain their progress in recovery, reduces exposure to hospital-acquired infections, and promotes overall well-being and quality of life.
- Affects hospital reimbursement: Many healthcare systems face financial penalties for high readmission rates under programs like Medicare's Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP). Investing in effective discharge planning helps avoid these penalties and secure optimal reimbursement.
Implications for Hospital and Patient:
- Hospital: Readmissions strain hospital resources, increase workload, and contribute to overcrowding. A proactive approach to discharge planning benefits the hospital by improving operational efficiency, enhancing patient satisfaction, and potentially boosting reputation.
- Patient: Readmissions are disruptive and often emotionally taxing for patients, delaying recovery and potentially leading to functional decline. Avoiding readmissions allows patients to maintain continuity of care, focus on recovery, and improve their quality of life.
Conclusion:
Investing in comprehensive discharge resources for chronic cardiorespiratory issues offers a win-win situation for both hospitals and patients. By facilitating patient independence, promoting healthy behaviors, and providing necessary support, these resources effectively prevent readmissions, minimize costs, and ultimately enhance the overall healthcare experience for all involved.
Additional notes:
- The specific resources available will vary depending on location, healthcare system, and individual patient needs.
- Cultural and socioeconomic factors can also influence the effectiveness of discharge planning and resource utilization.
- Ongoing research and innovation in patient education, telehealth, and remote monitoring have the potential to further improve discharge planning efficacy and reduce readmission rates.