Forum
7.1 Social Networking and the Professional
Social networking sites
are great ways for healthcare professionals to network with colleagues and
share information to name a few. However, potential risks are involved in using
social networking. Carmen Carpenter, chair of the Bachelor of Health Sciences
program at South University, says blog and social media postings can pose many risks
for healthcare professionals as potential liabilities are on the rise.
Social networks may inadvertently
reveal information professionals might not choose to reveal about themselves.
For example potential employers often uses whatever information they can gather
about an applicant in making a hiring decision. It is important to know what
information can be seen by non-contacts and to consider what kind of
conclusions might be drawn from it.
Unflattering pictures
or posts could seriously affect the likelihood of not only getting hired but for
admissions or current status in universities, volunteer or service opportunities
and even life in general. Even if one posts information using restrictive
privacy settings, there are many ways in which it may become available.
As a general rule,
before posting something on a social network, it’s suggested that one imagines
it displayed on a billboard on the side of a highway. Most would be
uncomfortable to see it there, so therefore one may not want to post it at
all.
While it is illegal and
very hard to prove, potential employers might discriminate based on information
available from profile pictures and other easily available information on one’s
social networking profile; age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, political
affiliations, other groups and contacts as well as negative posts about a
current job status or life in general can harm an individual’s chances of
getting an offer or post. The
repercussions lies in that individual being discriminated against, judged upon
and having his/her reputations at stake. Social networking for example facebook
and twitter have been known when it comes to highlighting controversial issues
as everyone known someone! Having said that, what shall prevent a potential
employer, colleague or acquaintance from gathering information form a social
network with respect to knowing the person behind the suite; so to speak.
In conclusion the use
of social networks are subjected to the user’s discretion and or the minimal
regulations surrounding the use of said media. The uses of such forums for
socializing subjects a person’s personal life to public scrutiny. The
publishing of controversial material on a social networking site brings severe
repercussions that tarnish ones credibility and reputation as well as the
publics’ perception of the individual so in the interim, a judgement call
regarding safeguarding one’s character and maintenance of a professional
outlook should be taken into consideration.
References:
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Forum
6.2 Accountability in Telehealth
Telehealth is an
important component in the delivery of health services. Telehealth refers to
the use of communications and information technology to deliver health and
health care services and information over large and small distances.
Telehealth technologies
range from simple (e.g., telephone, email, personal digital assistant) to
complex (e.g., live, two-way videoconferencing, remote control surgical
instrumentation). Telehealth could be as simple as two health professionals
discussing a case over the telephone or as sophisticated as doing robotic
surgery between facilities at different ends of the globe. Telehealth comprises
of many users doctors, patients, nurses and medical technicians. These users
convey patients’ information using telehealth technologies.
Liability and
malpractice however is a major legal issue in telehealth, they lack statutory
and case laws (Saba & McCormick,2006).
Medical liability is professional negligence by healthcare providers in which
standards are not maintained, and causes harm to the patient. Medical liability
has not been well-defined in telehealth, which leaves areas of concern. It was discussed in a Telemedicine forum,
that liability that results from use of telemedicine between physician and
patients is more direct liability opposed to vicarious liability.
With respect to the use
of advanced technologies, questions about equipment performance and practitioner
proficiency is questionable. In addition to individual liability,
organizational liability is relevant as errors in transmitting, storing, or
otherwise managing information transfer may have led to the malpractice
(National academy of sciences 1996).
In the case of an
incorrect diagnosis rendered via telemedicine, the telemedicine consultants
could be held liable for negligence. As in other areas of medical practice, the
usual protections against liability, good judgment, good skills, good
documentation, and good faith apply, although they do not guarantee immunity
from litigation (National academy of sciences 1996).
In the case of wrong
diagnosis or treatment by the physician regarding equipments; failure to check
equipments before use or identify from faulty imaging or results could be held
liable. In the hospital or organisation
case they are liable for injuries resulting from faulty machines or equipments
in telehealth. So therefore organisation failed to maintain its equipments.
Malpractice failure of
the nurse with a professional background to act and guarantee safe care does
not act in practice of standard care.
The nurse must know the policy and the procedure that exist in the
organisation. Foreseeability of harm, if
the equipment if faulty and is known by the doctor and diagnosis or treatment
is still given, then harm is being caused to the patient. The nurse will also become liable, once there
is isn’t any notification or intervention as part of advocating on behalf of
the patient.
Adhering to guidelines
will improve quality and reduce liability.
Strategies includes patient safety, promoting advocacy for safety and
promoting opening communication between patient and physician when an event
occur. The organisation is therefore responsible
for the act of its employees and will compensate for damages that has occur, however
as a result of assigning unqualified personals.
The organisation might do further internal investigations to establish
the causative factor surrounding incidents to then further decrease liability.
References
of Medicine (US)
Committee on Evaluating Clinical Applications of Telemedicine. (n.d.). National
academy of sciences. The Policy Context of Telemedicine. Retrieved March 28,
2014, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK45446/#a20006365ddd00073
Thede, L. Q., &
Sewell. J. P. (2010). Informatics and Nursing: Competencies and Applications.
Philadelphia:
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
National Telehealth
policies. 2013. Retrieved on March 27th,
2014. From
http://telehealthpolicy.us/legal-issues
Colleage of Registered
Nurses British Columbia (2014). Retrieved from
https://www.crnbc.ca/Standards/PracticeStandards/pages/telehealth.aspx
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Ergonomics
By
Miss. Titania
Toolsie
Student ID#
2014010028
The word ergonomics is derived from Greek words,
"ergo" and "nomos", meaning work and law respectively.
The International Ergonomics Association describes it as the engineering
science dealing with various anatomical, physiological, psychological and
engineering philosophies and their interaction with people. The application of
this science to design a workplace in terms of tasks of the worker, use of
equipment and the overall environment is called ergonomic design. A good
ergonomic design not only maximises the capabilities of workers by increasing
productivity and job satisfaction, but also benefits the employer by decreasing
the cost for health and absenteeism. In other words, ergonomics enables
"fitting the task to the worker". (Small business 2014)
Computers are an integral part of life and no longer need specialised or formal
training for use as most persons today either owns one or has access to one. In
every sphere of life the dependence on computers is ever increasing and this
widespread use has led to some important "user" health concerns. In
the absence of a good ergonomic design, extended work for prolonged periods can
adversely affect not only vision, but the muscles of neck, upper back,
shoulders and arms. This in turn leads to visual and muscular fatigue and
discomfort (musculoskeletal condition). Globally, the number of people
suffering from musculoskeletal conditions has increased by twenty-five (25)
percent over the past decade and these conditions make up 2% of the
global disease burden. Ergonomics emerges as an issue since many of these
musculoskeletal conditions are common computer-related injuries. The risks include both improper
workstation design and faulty posture as prolonged sitting for extended periods
leads to poor circulation, stiffness of joints and pain. Extended hours of
continuous work can increase the chance of developing an injury and repetitive
strain injuries that develop over time may lead to long-term disability.
Ergonomic implications at individual workplaces should be addressed to prevent
musculoskeletal disorders; a
common cause of chronic disability. Workers
highly exposed to both physical and psychosocial workplace risk factors are
more likely to report symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders than workers highly
exposed to one or the other. The
risk factors in the workplace amplifies the possibility of reporting
symptoms/injuries in the upper limbs. Psychosocial risk factors at work results
when exposure to physical risk factors are high than when physical exposure is
low. (Health advice 2006)
The importance of ergonomic relationship between
mechanical exposure of the upper limb, ailments such as pain, numbness,
tingling in the wrist, shoulder, back and legs and eye strain should be
carefully considerd with prolonged computer usage. A user-centered
approach to impart knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the body in
addition to the nature of work and workstation design is needed to enable
individuals to organise their workplace to prevent various health hazards.
When working with or handling computers; the span of usage, duration of total
work, number of consecutive hours, nature of the job, type of computer used and
its placement are to be carefully considered. Both physical and psychosocial
factors have to be measured to enhance efficacy. Symptoms like pain, numbness
and tingling in various body parts like wrists, shoulders, back and legs and
eye strains occur due to improper seating, lack of short breaks during work and
improper viewing distance. Organisation of workplace, proper height of the
seat, working posture, proper use of armrest, backrest, straight alignment of
the wrist and the elbow and positions on keyboard can prevent various health hazards.
Extended work with computers can cause many health concerns. These
incudes fatigue and discomfort especially in the neck, shoulder and back. The
risk of musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) is likely when there is prolonged usage
of the computer in awkward or uncomfortable positions. This risk increases as
the intensity of computer work increases.Discomfort and awkward posture are
most commonly due to the workstation layout and the position and type of
furniture.
Anyone spending prolonged hours on computers are not limited to
discomfort but muscular and visual fatigue including eye strains, burning
eyes/redness, blurred vision and headaches. Poor lighting and glares can add to the increased
visual strain experienced by computer operators. (The Canadian Standard
Association(CSA) Guidelines on office Ergonomics).
The way you sit when using a computer influences
your entire body and adjusting your posture can help reduce aches and pains,
and long-term musculo-skeletal problems. For example with the use Laptop computer: Laptop computers are
not designed for lengthy working periods. If intended to be used for 10 to 15
minutes it can be used as is, however, if intended to be used for 1 to 2 hours
or more, it is important that correct ergonomics is used.
Laptop use is a
major source of musculoskeletal problems, and using a laptop for any length of
time without a laptop stand, and ideally separate keyboard and mouse, will
cause poor posture which is likely to cause neck, back, and arm pain. The best
device to use is a laptop/notebook riser or laptop/notebook stand.
The best way of
working for long periods (e.g. more than 1 hour), and allows for replicating the
ideal ergonomic position would be a desktop computer. However with desktop computer ergonomics, the following
should be adhered to:
- Ensure the chair back is
adjusted so that upper body is relaxed and supported.
- Lower back needs to be
supported by the chair, alter the angle so that lower back is supported. Extra
support may be needed therefore a cushion can be added in the small of
back area. Angles should be changed during the day to vary sitting posture
and avoid being in one static posture all day.
- Adjustment of seat height.
Sitting in front of computer, adjust seat height so that forearms are horizontal
and wrists are straight when hands are placed on the keyboard. With shoulders
relaxed the underside of the elbow should be at desk height.
- If there is pressure on the
back of thighs find something to rest the feet on.
- If the feet are not comfortable on the
floor then find something to rest feet on. Shorter people often lower the
seat so their feet are on the floor, but this can mean that arms are not
at the correct height for the keyboard.
- The space under desk area should
allow for placing legs underneath without twisting or leaning, or being
squashed under a low desk.
- Forearms should be horizontal
and wrists straight when hands are placed on the keyboard. With shoulders
relaxed the bottom of elbow should be at desk height.
- Ensure wrists are not bent,
use a wrist-rest.
- Adjust screen position - the
top of the screen should be level with your eyes and you will then
naturally look at the centre of the screen. Ensure that there are no
reflections or glare and if necessary try moving screen to a different
angle. Avoid sitting with windows or lights directly in front or behind
screen. If possible, sit with the screen at right angles to light coming
through windows, if not use window blinds or curtains to cut out the
light. Adjust the brightness and contrast controls on the screen to suit
lighting conditions. Remember screens are to be kept clean, and eyes
should be tested regularly.
- Work areas should be
organized, ensuring that keyboard and mouse are close when in use, that
the desk is not cluttered and a document holder to raise documents to a
comfortable height and viewing distance.
Rotating
activities can be considered to avoid long periods of time in front of the
screen. Short frequent breaks are much more effective in reducing muscle
fatigue than taking longer breaks less often. During breaks: Getting out of
seat, stretching of legs, arching of back, walking around for a couple of
minutes are all ways to prevent discomfort and possible injuries.
Cramped hands,
tired eyes and a sore back often go hand in hand with long hours of computer
work. Uncomfortable working conditions are not just unpleasant; they also
present the substantial risk of ongoing health problem. Job duties ranging from
typing on a keyboard to lifting or operating heavy machinery all present the
possibility of musculoskeletal damage. By implementing the best practices of
ergonomics, offices increase productivity and reduce the risk of injury to
employees.
Persons who spend
most of the day sitting behind a computer will have vastly different needs than
persons who conduct their jobs outside or away from the office. Correct posture
at the computer to avoid back and neck problems, distance from the monitor to
reduce glare and use of an ergonomic mouse and keyboard will help prevent hand
and wrist injury.
Using ergonomics whether
at home or work can help prevent injury or pain from repetitive tasks.
Ergonomic chairs correct posture and correct alignment with the monitor and
keyboard. Lighting around the desk impacts ergonomics by potentially reducing
eyestrain and minimizing glare from the monitor. OSHA offers a checklist for
ergonomic practices which includes correct posture, chair height and monitor
placement to avoid glare which can be accessed on-line and available to all.
Adequate lighting and ventilation safeguards against potential allergy or
indoor climate problems by maintaining a clean and temperate air flow
throughout work area. Proper ventilation and humidity controls help creates a
generally comfortable environment. (OSHA ergonomic solutions 2014)
So once proper ergonomic techniques are employed one can in
fact prevent injuries from computer use and in turn attain maximum benefits for
which it was intended.
Reference:
