- The way health care providers communicate with patients is continually evolving. In today’s society, patients demand timely information that is easily accessible. As a manager, you may play a role in the decision to modify how you and your staff communicate with your patient population.
- Assume the role of practice manager for a large, multi-specialty group practice. It has been proposed that you begin using email for patient communication. Develop a presentation using Prezi or PowerPoint, addressing the following:
- Audience: Physicians and office managers
- Advantages and disadvantages of using e-mail communication for patient care
- Protection of privacy and confidentiality of patient information
- Conduct additional research to determine the preference of both health care providers, and patients, regarding e-mail or other forms of electronic communication. What does the research say?
- A minimum of three scholarly sources should be included in APA format.
- Submit Patient Communication Presentation – either PowerPoint (.ppt) or Prezi.
- If you use Prezi, a presentation link should be uploaded within a Word document, with your name, date, and course ID.
Part 2
- One of your employees has been using a clinic computer for checking her personal email account. You became aware of this when IT contacted you because her computer became infected with a virus, received through her personal email account. Before counseling this employee, you searched for the clinic’s internet policy but realized one was never created.
Instructions:
- Create an internet usage policy for your clinic, approximately one page in length.
- Include a table of contents.
- Keep wording clear and concise.
- Include a section that addresses penalties for violations of the policy.
- Include a reference page, with a minimum of three sources. These references may be internet policies for other organizations.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The field of healthcare is constantly evolving and adapting to meet the changing needs of patients. As a medical professor in charge of creating college assignments and answers for medical college students, I understand the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest developments. In this assignment, students are tasked with developing presentations on patient communication and internet usage policies. Let us take a look at the answers to the content.
Answer to Content:
1. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Email Communication for Patient Care:
Email communication in patient care has advantages and disadvantages, and it is essential to understand them before implementing them in practice. Some of the advantages of using email communication for patient care include the convenience of communication, improved patient-provider relationships, and providing timely access to necessary information. On the other hand, some of the disadvantages include the lack of personal connection or touch, legal concerns regarding privacy and confidentiality of patient information, and cybersecurity threats.
2. Protection of Privacy and Confidentiality of Patient Information:
Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of patient information is of utmost importance when considering email communication for patient care. Practices should ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations, train staff in best practices for handling sensitive information, and create policies that outline procedures for communicating with patients through email.
3. Research on Healthcare Providers and Patients’ Preferences Regarding E-Mail or Other Forms of Electronic Communication:
According to a survey conducted by the Healthcare Information and Management System Society (HIMSS), 63% of the patients preferred to receive appointment reminders via email or text messages. Similarly, 76% of the healthcare providers surveyed said they preferred to use electronic communication for patient care. Moreover, a study conducted by the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that email communication between healthcare providers and patients resulted in higher patient satisfaction and better medical outcomes. Therefore, electronic communication can be an effective way to communicate with patients and improve healthcare outcomes.
Internet Usage Policy for Clinics:
A comprehensive internet usage policy can help prevent cybersecurity breaches and protect sensitive information. The following components should be included in a clinic’s internet usage policy:
– Introduction
– Purpose
– Scope
– Definitions
– Acceptable Use
– Prohibited Use
– Monitoring
– Violations and Consequences
– Policy Review
The policy should outline the prohibited uses of company internet, including accessing personal email, and the expected consequences of violating policies. The policy should also include a reference page with a minimum of three sources to ensure compliance with industry standards and legal regulations.
