WEEK 8 FINISH QUICKLY

INSTRUCTIONS:

Review the Learning Resources associated with the topics: Health Literacy, Health Information Technology (HIT) on Patient Outcomes, and Health Economics.

Consider the role of each of these topics in influencing how healthcare is delivered and practiced in your healthcare organization or nursing practice. 

Post a cohesive response that addresses the following:

· What strategies do you recommend for addressing barriers and challenges associated with social determinants of health in nursing practice? How can nurses effectively use information technologies to support the delivery of equitable care to all patients?

· Read a selection of your colleagues’ blog posts and respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days by expanding upon their responses or sharing additional or alternative perspectives.

REQUIRED RESOURCES:

· American Nurses Association. (2022).  Nursing informatics: Scope and standards of practice Links to an external site.  (3rd ed.).

· “Standard 5: Implementation” (pp. 85–87)

· “Standard 5a: Coordination of Activities” (pp. 85–88)

· “Standard 6: Evaluation” (pp. 89–90)

· “Standard 9: Communication” (pp. 94–96)

· “Standard 11: Leadership” (pp. 97–98)

· “Standard 16: Resource Utilization” (pp. 103–105)

· Bakken, S., & Dreisbach, C. (2022).  Informatics and data science perspective on Future of Nursing 2020–2030: Charting a pathway to health equity Links to an external site. . Nursing Outlook, 70, S77–S87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2022.04.004

· Cummins, M., Kennedy, R., McBride, S. & Carrington, J. (2021).  Policy priorities in nursing informatics: The American Academy of Nursing Informatics and Technology Expert Panel in 2020 Links to an external site. . CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing, 39(3), 120–122. https://doi.org/10.1097/CIN.0000000000000731

· Johnson, C. B. (2024).  Nurse informaticists’ role in promoting health equity Links to an external site. . Nursing, 54(5), 38–44. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NURSE.0001007640.39208.74

RUBRIC:

NURS_8210_Week8_Blog_Rubric

NURS_8210_Week8_Blog_Rubric
Criteria	Ratings	Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMain Posting: Idea and Content (40 points)	40 to >29.0 ptsExcellent• Thoroughly responds to the blog prompt/s. • Post provides comprehensive insight, understanding, or reflection about the topic through a focused analysis of the topic supported by personal experiences and/or examples. • Personal opinions are expressed and are clearly related to the topic, activity or process identified in blog prompts. • The post reflects in-depth engagement with the topic. • Detailed reply to faculty. 29 to >19.0 ptsGood• Responds to all of the blog prompt/s. • Post provides insight, understanding, or reflection about the topic through a reasonably focused analysis of the topic supported by personal experiences and/or examples. • Personal opinions are expressed and are but not fully developed to align with blog prompts. • The post reflects moderate engagement with the topic. • Appropriate reply to faculty. 19 to >9.0 ptsFair• Partially responds to the blog prompt/s. • Posts are typically short and may contain some irrelevant material. • The post is mostly description or summary without connections or analysis between ideas. • The post reflects minimal engagement with the topic. • Brief response to faculty with minimal effort. 9 to >0 ptsPoor• Does not respond to the blog prompt/s or entries lack insight, depth or are superficial. • The entries are short and are frequently irrelevant to the events. • They do not express opinion clearly and show little understanding. • The post does not reflect engagement with the topic. • Fails to respond to faculty inquiries.	40 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFirst Response: (30 points) Post to classmate’s main blog post shows evidence of insight, understanding, or reflective thought about the topic.	30 to >21.0 ptsExcellent• Presents a focused and cohesive viewpoint in addressing this response. • Response includes focused questions or examples related to classmate’s post. • Response stimulates dialogue and commentary. • Posts on separate day. 21 to >12.0 ptsGood• Presents a specific viewpoint that is focused and cohesive. • Response includes at least one focused question or example related to classmate’s post. • There is some attempt to stimulate dialogue and commentary. • Posts on separate day. 12 to >4.0 ptsFair• Presents a specific viewpoint but lacks supporting examples or focused questions related to classmate’s post. • The posting is brief and reflects minimal effort to connect with classmate. • Posts on separate day. 4 to >0 ptsPoor• Response lacks a specific viewpoint and supporting examples or focused questions related to classmate’s post. • The post does not stimulate dialogue or connect with the classmate. • Posts on same day.	30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSecond Response: (30 points) Post to second classmate’s blog post shows evidence of insight, understanding, or reflective thought about the topic.	30 to >21.0 ptsExcellent• Presents a focused and cohesive viewpoint in addressing this response. • Response includes focused questions or examples related to classmate’s post. • Response stimulates dialogue and commentary. • Posts on separate day. 21 to >12.0 ptsGood• Presents a specific viewpoint that is focused and cohesive. • Response includes at least one focused question or example related to classmate’s post. • There is some attempt to stimulate dialogue and commentary. • Posts on separate day. 12 to >4.0 ptsFair• Presents a specific viewpoint but lacks supporting examples or focused questions related to classmate’s post. • The posting is brief and reflects minimal effort to connect with classmate. • Posts on separate day. 4 to >0 ptsPoor• Response lacks a specific viewpoint and supporting examples or focused questions related to classmate’s post. • The does not stimulate dialogue or connect with the classmate. • Posts on same day.	30 pts

Total Points: 100

POST 1:

In my practice, which is a med spa, social determinants of health show up in different ways than in a hospital setting, but they still matter. I see barriers related to health literacy, language differences, financial limitations, and sometimes unrealistic expectations influenced by social media. While our services are often considered elective, patients’ access to safe, evidence-based aesthetic care is still influenced by education level, income, and digital access.

One strategy I recommend is improving health literacy through clear, patient-centered education. Many clients do not fully understand risks, contraindications, or realistic outcomes. Using plain language, visual aids, and teach-back methods helps ensure informed consent and safer outcomes. This aligns with ANA (2022) Standard 9 (Communication), which emphasizes clear and effective information exchange.

Another important strategy is structured assessment and documentation. Even in a med spa, screening for medical history, medications, and potential social barriers (such as ability to follow post-procedure care) is essential. Embedding structured templates into the electronic health record supports Standard 5 (Implementation) and Standard 6 (Evaluation) by promoting consistent, evidence-based care (ANA, 2022).

Health information technology can also support equity in aesthetic practice. For example, using EHR prompts helps ensure consistent safety screening across all patients. Secure patient portals and automated follow-up systems improve communication and post-procedure monitoring. However, we also have to recognize digital inequities. Not all patients are comfortable with technology, so offering alternative communication methods is important. Resource utilization (ANA, 2022, Standard 16) reminds us to use technology appropriately and responsibly.

From a broader perspective, Bakken and Dreisbach (2022) emphasize that informatics and data science play a key role in advancing health equity. Even in a med spa, tracking outcomes, complications, and satisfaction data by demographic factors can help identify patterns and prevent disparities. Johnson (2024) also highlights the role of nurse informaticists in designing systems that support equitable care. While my setting is not acute care, the principle is the same — data should guide improvements and ensure safe, inclusive practice.

Overall, in a med spa setting, addressing social determinants of health means prioritizing patient education, using structured technology safely, maintaining ethical standards, and ensuring inclusive, culturally sensitive care. Nurses still play a leadership role in promoting safety, transparency, and equitable treatment, even in aesthetic practice.

References

American Nurses Association. (2022). Nursing informatics: Scope and standards of practice (3rd ed.).

Bakken, S., & Dreisbach, C. (2022). Informatics and data science perspective on Future of Nursing 2020–2030: Charting a pathway to health equity. Nursing Outlook, 70, S77–S87.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2022.04.004 Links to an external site.

Johnson, C. B. (2024). Nurse informaticists’ role in promoting health equity. Nursing, 54(5), 38–44.  https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NURSE.0001007640.39208.74 Links to an external site.

POST 2:

Main Blog : Social Determinants, Telehealth, and Mental Health Care 

       Health literacy, social determinants of health, and health information technology (HIT) are closely interconnected and significantly influence patient outcomes in psychiatric mental health practice. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), I frequently care for patients whose ability to engage in treatment is affected by factors beyond their psychiatric diagnosis. Transportation difficulties, financial hardship, unstable housing, limited digital access, and low health literacy often interfere with appointment attendance, medication adherence, and long term treatment success. Social determinants of health continue to shape access to behavioral healthcare and contribute to disparities in mental health outcomes (Belanger & Winsberg, 2023). Recognizing these barriers encourages nurses to develop individualized care plans that support both clinical needs and everyday challenges while building trusting therapeutic relationships. 

       One effective strategy for reducing the impact of social determinants of health is to incorporate routine screening for social needs during every psychiatric assessment. In my practice, I assess patients for concerns related to transportation, food insecurity, financial stress, internet access, and available social support because these issues frequently affect treatment adherence. Identifying barriers early allows referrals to community resources, case management services, and financial assistance programs before psychiatric symptoms worsen. Nurses are well positioned to coordinate care and advocate for interventions that improve access to essential services (Johnson, 2024). This comprehensive approach strengthens continuity of care while helping patients remain actively engaged in treatment. 

       Telehealth has become an important resource for expanding access to psychiatric care, particularly for individuals who experience transportation challenges, anxiety, physical limitations, or demanding work schedules. I have found that many patients feel more comfortable participating in therapy and medication management appointments from their home environment, allowing for greater consistency with follow up care. Successful telehealth delivery depends on patients having reliable technology, internet connectivity, and the confidence to use digital platforms effectively. Digital literacy and ease of technology use remain important factors that influence participation in telemental health services (Khansa Fatihah Muhammad & Anhari Achadi, 2024). Providing education, technical support, and flexible appointment options helps patients overcome barriers while improving engagement in mental health treatment. 

       Nurses also play an essential role in using health information technology to advance health equity and improve patient outcomes. Electronic health records, patient portals, and clinical decision support systems help identify care gaps, monitor treatment progress, and recognize patients who may require additional support because of social determinants of health. Informatics also allows healthcare organizations to analyze population level data and develop targeted interventions that reduce disparities across vulnerable populations. Nursing informatics supports the integration of social determinant data into clinical decision making to promote equitable care delivery (Bakken & Dreisbach, 2022). As technology continues to evolve, I believe PMHNPs have an important responsibility to ensure that digital innovations remain patient centered, accessible, and responsive to the diverse needs of the individuals and communities we serve. 

References 

Bakken, S., & Dreisbach, C. (2022).  Informatics and data science perspective on Future of Nursing 2020–2030: Charting a pathway to health equity.  Nursing Outlook, 70(Suppl. 1), S77–S87.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2022.04.004 Links to an external site.  

Belanger, H. G., & Winsberg, M. (2023).  Exploring social determinants of health: Comparing lower and higher income individuals participating in telepsychiatric care for depression.  Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13.  https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1026361 Links to an external site.  

Johnson, C. B. (2024).  Nurse informaticists' role in promoting health equity.  Nursing, 54(5), 38–44.  https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NURSE.0001007640.39208.74 Links to an external site.  

Khansa Fatihah Muhammad, & Anhari Achadi. (2024).  Factors influencing telehealth utilization in mental health services: Systematic literature review.  Journal of Community Mental Health and Public Policy, 7(1), 26–37.  https://doi.org/10.51602/cmhp.v7i1.168 Links to an external site.