investigate safeguards and apply ethical principles to the use health care technology
BACKGROUND
Healthcare is readily embracing any technology to improve patient outcomes, streamline operations and lower costs. This technology includes the use of mobile applications like Smartphones. Smart scanning and the use of Quick Response (QR) codes are all the rage. You may have noticed these intricately patterned squares appearing in more and more places but did not know their purpose. QR codes provide an opportunity to embed a variety of information, much like traditional bar codes used in grocery stores. But, unlike these codes, QR codes contain URLs (Uniform Resource Locators or web addresses) within them that instantly connect anyone who scans the code. All one needs is a smartphone, tablet scanner environment, special applications/software, and a reader to hyperlink to a site and obtain information. Readers are free and easy to download from an app store or the Web. Some smartphones come with this capability.
In health care today, QR codes are used in a variety of ways, e.g., a woman can schedule a mammogram by reading a QR code that provides a link to a web site. QR codes can direct patients to online libraries for information and educational videos. Other convenient functions include accessing some components of electronic health records (EHRs).
SCENARIO
Emergency workers in Marin County, California are using the technology involving QR codes to save lives in emergency situations. A company, Lifesquare, has partnered with two emergency response agencies in the county to conduct a year-long pilot program. Lifesquare wants residents to input personal information about their medications into its website and then place corresponding QR code stickers where emergency workers can find and scan them in the case of an emergency. These stickers are available from a local pharmacy. Elsewhere, another company, ID Amber, has a Security Code printed on a tag which can be scanned readily. And yet another company, ScanMedQR.com, manufactures silicon bracelets, cards for wallets and necklaces that have QR codes on them that provide quick access to health records.
Let’s assume that your neighbors (many elderly) have heard of the pilot study but they have some concerns with, and are somewhat skeptical about, this “new-fangled technology.” They have asked you for more information about the technology including the advantages and disadvantages of participating in such a pilot project or obtaining the tags used by other companies. You conduct a review of this technology by reading sources on the Internet and in the current literature. You discover there are several health care organizations using this technology in various ways. You have read their marketing information for additional insight. Basically, your neighbors are looking to you for knowledge so they can answer the question: We Can, But Should We?
DIRECTIONS
1. You are to research, compose and type a scholarly paper based on the scenario described above. Reflect on what you have learned in this class to date about technology, privacy concerns and ethical issues. Do not limit your review of the literature to nursing only. Other health professionals are using the technology and you may need to apply critical thinking skills to its applications in this scenario.
2. Use Microsoft Word and APA formatting. Consult your copy of the Publication manual of the APA, 6th edition, as well as the resources in Doc Sharing if you have questions, e.g., margin size, font type and size (point), use of third person, and so forth. Take advantage of the writing service Smarthinking, which is accessed by clicking on the link called the Tutor Source, found under the Course Home tab.
3. The length of the paper should be 3-4 pages, excluding the title page and the reference page. Limit the references to a few key sources.
4. The paper will contain an Introduction that catches the attention of the reader with interesting facts and supporting sources of evidence, which should be included as in-text citations. The Body should present the advantages and disadvantages regarding the use of QR codes. The Conclusion and Recommendations should summarize your findings and state your position regarding whether your neighbors should participate in a pilot project. Make your case based on the evidence you have collected.
5. NOTE: Review the section on Academic Honesty found in the Chamberlain Course Policies. All work must be original (in your own words).
a. When submitting your document to the DropBox it will automatically submit the document to Turnitin. Please review the originality report and make updates as needed. Submit your final assignment to the DropBox prior to the due date. The final assignment listed will be the one graded.GRADING CRITERIA
Category Points % Description
Introduction 44 22% The Introduction provides evidence of an information search including in-text citations of the sources of evidence. It catches the reader’s attention with interesting facts and supporting sources.
Body 90 45% Appropriate Headers are used to delineate when the introduction ends. More than three advantages and three disadvantages are identified, discussed briefly and supported by citations.
Conclusion and Recommendations 44 22% Appropriate Headers are used making clear the conclusion and recommendations are based on solid evidence, personal privacy rights, and ethical principles. Writing in the third person, state your position regarding whether your neighbors should participate in the study.
Scholarly Writing and APA Format 22 11% • Title page, running head, and page numbers. Introduction, body, and conclusion/recommendations sections are clearly labeled. There is a logical flow between the sections.
• Grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure are correct.
• Citations throughout demonstrate support of student’s ideas and opinions.
• Reference page includes all citations.
• Evidence of spell and grammar check.
Total 200 100%
A quality assignment will meet or exceed all of the above requirements.
GRADING RUBRIC
Assignment Criteria Meets Criteria Partially Meets Criteria Does Not Meet Criteria Points Awarded
Introduction
44 points Evidence of information search. Catches the reader’s attention with interesting facts and supporting sources that includes citations to more than one scholarly source.
41-44 points Evidence of information search provided by at least one citation of a scholarly source. “Hook” to get the reader interested may be missing.
33-40 points Little or no evidence of information search. No citation provided and/or there is no attention getting “hook.”
0-32 points
/44
Body
90 points More than 3 advantages and 3 disadvantages are identified and supported by citations.
83-90 points At least 3 advantages and 3 disadvantages are identified and supported by citations.
68-82 points Few advantages and disadvantages are identified and/or are not supported by analysis.
0-67 points
/90
Conclusion and Recommendation
44 points Conclusion is presented with recommendation based on solid evidence, personal privacy rights, and ethical principles.
41-44 points Conclusion contains evidence for recommendation, but may lack persuasive use of privacy rights and/or ethical principles.
33-40 points Conclusion is presented but lacks supporting evidence and does not address privacy rights and/or ethical principles.
0-32 points
/44
Scholarly Writing & APA Format
22 points • Title page, running head, and page numbers
• Minimum of three sections including the Introduction, Body and Conclusions and Recommendations. Each section has at least three sentences. Grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure is correct.
• Citations throughout demonstrate support of student’s ideas and opinions.
• Reference page includes all citations and no errors in format are noted
• Evidence of spell and grammar check.
20-22 points • Minimal error in APA title page noted.
• Minimal errors in grammar, punctuation and/or sentence structure noted.
• Citations are present but not in correct format.
• References are present, with minimal errors in format.
• Minimal red or green wavy lines within document.
16-19 points • Multiple errors in APA formatting
• Multiple grammar and punctuation errors noted.
• Citations are missing.
• References are missing or incomplete.
• No evidence of proof-reading prior to submitting paper.
0-15 points
/22
