Author: chris

rimary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, write 400–600 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas.

Step 1: In preparation for the electronic health record (EHR) implementation, you are assisting the information technology (IT) and admissions departments in creating a data dictionary for the master patient index (MPI). Discuss the following:

• Describe 3 data elements that are contained in the MPI.
• State what is acceptable data for each element.
  • For example, the element of marital status must allow the terms single, married, widowed, and so forth.
• Do the elements that you have selected meet the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act’s 3 stages of meaningful use?
• Discuss how this relates to the patient access and billing functions within a health care organization.

Step 2: While working with the IT and clinical departments, you are assisting them in creating a drop-down menu for the histories that are recorded in the patient record. You will be responsible for making sure that 2 types of histories include all of the elements required. Choose 2 of the following histories, and list the elements that must be included as part of that history:

• Past medical history
• Chief complaint
• Past surgical history
• Past family history
• Social history

Be sure to support your information by citing at least 2 references using APA format.

Before you begin this assignment, be sure you have read the “UMUC Family Clinic Case Study” and your Week 1 and Week 2 readings, which discuss Electronic Health Record (EHR) functionality and Process Workflow Analysis and Mapping.

 

Purpose of this Assignment

 

This assignment gives you the opportunity to apply your analysis skills to model a health care business process in an ambulatory setting. Modeling the process as it exists (and as it will exist) will aid in the analysis, selection and implementation of the EHR system for the medical practice. In this assignment, you will develop 2 process maps (AS-IS and TO-BE) for the patient visit clinical process workflow. This assignment addresses the following course outcome to enable you to:

 

• Evaluate the organizational environment in the health care industry to recognize how technology solutions enable strategic outcomes.
• Analyze the flow of data and information among disparate health information systems to support internal and external business processes.

 

Family Clinic Medical Practice

 

In order to apply technology to a process, the process must be thoroughly understood and models are used for this purpose. The model also supports business process analysis and redesign when the process is deemed to be inefficient or ineffective. In addition, models are used to design the “TO-BE” process that describes the desired end state after the technology solution is developed.

 

In analyzing and improving clinical processes, one should consider the following questions:

 

• Are administrative processes organized, efficient, and well documented?
• Are clinical workflows efficient, clearly mapped out, and understood by all staff?
• Are data collection and reporting processes well established and documented?

 

For your Stage 1 Project for the Case Study, you will develop model of the patient visit process used at the UMUC Family Clinic. You will create a model of that process which defines in detail the steps in the process as they are done today. Then, you will create a model of the proposed new process, as it will be performed after an EHR system (IT solution) is implemented.

 

Assignment

 

For this assignment you will:

 

1. List at least three objectives or goals that Dr. Martin has, and briefly explain how an EHR system can help him with each objective. Note that a minimum of 4 objectives or goals are needed to earn the full points.
2. Next you will model the patient visit process as it is currently performed at the UMUC Family Clinic; this is the AS-IS Process. Draw a process model to show the major steps in the patient’s visit to the UMUC Family Clinic from the time they arrive until they leave.  This patient is a returning patient, will receive a prescription based on earlier blood test results sent from the laboratory, and his insurance company will be billed for the visit.  You must refer to the AS-IS process as described in the case, cover all the current steps and be careful not to oversimplify.  The objective here is to correctly map the current state of the process, so the improvements offered by the TO-BE process (Item 3 below) are clear.  “Patient enters –> gets prescription –> leaves office (insurance company is billed)” is not a reflection of the current state.
3. Then you will model the way that you expect the new patient visit process to function after a technology solution (EHR System) is implemented and the process is improved; this is the TO-BE Process. NOTE: We are NOT specifying the specific technology in the TO-BE Process. Identifying the specific technology will be part of a later stage assignment.

 

As you develop your models, review the Week 2 readings on processes, process analysis and process modeling. You will use flowchart symbols to indicate process steps, decision points, etc. The flowchart symbols to be used and examples of how to use them to illustrate the work flow can be found in the “Flowchart” lecture. You may use Microsoft Word, Excel or Power Point to develop your process models. If you use another product, it is your responsibility to ensure it can be read using the Microsoft Office products.

 

Tools for Creating the Models

 

The following are two URL’s that have a more detailed description of Flow Charting and its uses: http://www.hci.com.au/hcisite2/toolkit/flowchar.htm

 

http://asq.org/learn-about-quality/process-analysis-tools/overview/flowchart.html

 

To create a flow chart in Word 2007 and 2010: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkN0dekcsmw

 

To create a flow chart or process map in Excel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_R73RVfHl0

 

To create a flow chart in PowerPoint: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8erOL-3Bho

 

Submit your Stage 1 paper via your Assignment Folder Stage 1 as an attached document (or documents) with your last name included in the filename(s) (LASTNAME_Stage1).

 

Note: Your models will be evaluated on whether they are applicable to the patient visit process, all major steps in the AS-IS and TO-BE processes are included and correctly modeled, and they are appropriate to the UMUC Family Clinic. Your overall paper will be evaluated on whether or not you correctly incorporated the course concepts from the readings and addressed all parts of the assignment.  If you use external resources, be sure to cite and reference them correctly in APA format. Use the Rubric below to be sure you have covered all aspects.

 

GRADING RUBRIC:

 

Criteria	90-100% Far Above Standards	80-89% Above Standards	70-79% Meets Standards	60-69% Below Standards	< 60% Well Below Standards	Possible Points
Identification and Explanation of Objectives	9-10 Points   At least four appropriate objectives or goals are identified, and how an EHR system would help each is fully explained; explanations demonstrate understanding of course concepts, sophisticated analysis and critical thinking.	8 Points   Three or more objectives or goals are identified and clear explanations are given as to how each will be improved with an EHR system; explanations demonstrate understanding of course concepts, analysis and critical thinking.	7 Points   Three or more objectives or goals are identified and adequately explained as to how an EHR system will help with each; demonstrates some understanding of course concepts, analysis, and/or critical thinking.	6 Points   Fewer than three objectives may be presented; and/or they may not apply to the case study; and/or explanations may be lacking in demonstration of understanding of course concepts, analysis, and/or critical thinking.	0-5 Points   Too few or no objectives are identified and/or explanations are not provided.	10
Model Complete-ness	27-30 Points   Both the as-is and to-be models present all of the steps in the process in detail.	24-26 Points   The as-is and to-be models present most of the steps in the process and provide some detail.	21-23 Points   The as-is and to-be models present the major steps.	18-20 Points   The as-is and to-be models are incomplete or inadequate to demonstrate a complete process.	0-17 Points   Only one model presented or very few process steps are included.	30
Organization of Steps	27-30 Points   Steps in the process are organized in a logical flow with the steps clearly labeled and demonstrate analysis and critical thinking.	24-26 Points   Steps in the process are organized in a logical and well organized flow with the steps labeled.	21-23 Points   Steps in the process are organized in a logical flow with steps labeled.	18-20 Points   Steps may not be organized in a logical flow or may be lacking in demonstration of analysis, and/or critical thinking.	0-17 Points   Process steps are not organized at all, or only one model is presented.	30
Model Presentation	18-20 Points   Models are very professionally presented; use a logical and easily understandable structure, and spelling is correct.	16-17 Points   Models are professionally presented; use a logical structure, and spelling is correct.	14-15 Points   Models are presented well; use a logical structure, and spelling is correct.	12-13 Points   Models are not professionally presented, and/or contain several spelling errors.	0-11 Points   Models are extremely poorly presented and do not convey the information or only one model is presented.	20
Report Format	9-10 Points   Report is very well organized and is easy to read. Very few or no errors demonstrate correct sentence structure, grammar, and spelling; written in third person and presented in a professional format; any references used are properly cited and listed in APA style.	8 Points   Report reflects effective organization; may have a few errors in sentence structure, grammar, and spelling; written in third person and presented in a professional format; any references used are properly cited and listed in APA style.	7 Points   Report is organized and may have some errors in sentence structure, grammar and spelling. Report is written in third person; any references used are properly cited and listed in APA style.	6 Points   Report is not well organized, and/or contains several grammar and/or spelling errors; and/or report is not written in third person; and/or any references used are not properly cited and listed in APA style.	0-5 Points   Report is extremely poorly written; and/or contains many grammar and/or spelling errors; and/or does not convey the information	10

Before you begin this assignment, be sure you have read the “UMUC Family Clinic Case Study” and your Week 1 and Week 2 readings, which discuss Electronic Health Record (EHR) functionality and Process Workflow Analysis and Mapping.

 

Purpose of this Assignment

 

This assignment gives you the opportunity to apply your analysis skills to model a health care business process in an ambulatory setting. Modeling the process as it exists (and as it will exist) will aid in the analysis, selection and implementation of the EHR system for the medical practice. In this assignment, you will develop 2 process maps (AS-IS and TO-BE) for the patient visit clinical process workflow. This assignment addresses the following course outcome to enable you to:

 

• Evaluate the organizational environment in the health care industry to recognize how technology solutions enable strategic outcomes.
• Analyze the flow of data and information among disparate health information systems to support internal and external business processes.

 

Family Clinic Medical Practice

 

In order to apply technology to a process, the process must be thoroughly understood and models are used for this purpose. The model also supports business process analysis and redesign when the process is deemed to be inefficient or ineffective. In addition, models are used to design the “TO-BE” process that describes the desired end state after the technology solution is developed.

 

In analyzing and improving clinical processes, one should consider the following questions:

 

• Are administrative processes organized, efficient, and well documented?
• Are clinical workflows efficient, clearly mapped out, and understood by all staff?
• Are data collection and reporting processes well established and documented?

 

For your Stage 1 Project for the Case Study, you will develop model of the patient visit process used at the UMUC Family Clinic. You will create a model of that process which defines in detail the steps in the process as they are done today. Then, you will create a model of the proposed new process, as it will be performed after an EHR system (IT solution) is implemented.

 

Assignment

 

For this assignment you will:

 

1. List at least three objectives or goals that Dr. Martin has, and briefly explain how an EHR system can help him with each objective. Note that a minimum of 4 objectives or goals are needed to earn the full points.
2. Next you will model the patient visit process as it is currently performed at the UMUC Family Clinic; this is the AS-IS Process. Draw a process model to show the major steps in the patient’s visit to the UMUC Family Clinic from the time they arrive until they leave.  This patient is a returning patient, will receive a prescription based on earlier blood test results sent from the laboratory, and his insurance company will be billed for the visit.  You must refer to the AS-IS process as described in the case, cover all the current steps and be careful not to oversimplify.  The objective here is to correctly map the current state of the process, so the improvements offered by the TO-BE process (Item 3 below) are clear.  “Patient enters –> gets prescription –> leaves office (insurance company is billed)” is not a reflection of the current state.
3. Then you will model the way that you expect the new patient visit process to function after a technology solution (EHR System) is implemented and the process is improved; this is the TO-BE Process. NOTE: We are NOT specifying the specific technology in the TO-BE Process. Identifying the specific technology will be part of a later stage assignment.

 

As you develop your models, review the Week 2 readings on processes, process analysis and process modeling. You will use flowchart symbols to indicate process steps, decision points, etc. The flowchart symbols to be used and examples of how to use them to illustrate the work flow can be found in the “Flowchart” lecture. You may use Microsoft Word, Excel or Power Point to develop your process models. If you use another product, it is your responsibility to ensure it can be read using the Microsoft Office products.

 

Tools for Creating the Models

 

The following are two URL’s that have a more detailed description of Flow Charting and its uses: http://www.hci.com.au/hcisite2/toolkit/flowchar.htm

 

http://asq.org/learn-about-quality/process-analysis-tools/overview/flowchart.html

 

To create a flow chart in Word 2007 and 2010: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkN0dekcsmw

 

To create a flow chart or process map in Excel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_R73RVfHl0

 

To create a flow chart in PowerPoint: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8erOL-3Bho

 

Submit your Stage 1 paper via your Assignment Folder Stage 1 as an attached document (or documents) with your last name included in the filename(s) (LASTNAME_Stage1).

 

Note: Your models will be evaluated on whether they are applicable to the patient visit process, all major steps in the AS-IS and TO-BE processes are included and correctly modeled, and they are appropriate to the UMUC Family Clinic. Your overall paper will be evaluated on whether or not you correctly incorporated the course concepts from the readings and addressed all parts of the assignment.  If you use external resources, be sure to cite and reference them correctly in APA format. Use the Rubric below to be sure you have covered all aspects.

 

GRADING RUBRIC:

 

Criteria	90-100% Far Above Standards	80-89% Above Standards	70-79% Meets Standards	60-69% Below Standards	< 60% Well Below Standards	Possible Points
Identification and Explanation of Objectives	9-10 Points   At least four appropriate objectives or goals are identified, and how an EHR system would help each is fully explained; explanations demonstrate understanding of course concepts, sophisticated analysis and critical thinking.	8 Points   Three or more objectives or goals are identified and clear explanations are given as to how each will be improved with an EHR system; explanations demonstrate understanding of course concepts, analysis and critical thinking.	7 Points   Three or more objectives or goals are identified and adequately explained as to how an EHR system will help with each; demonstrates some understanding of course concepts, analysis, and/or critical thinking.	6 Points   Fewer than three objectives may be presented; and/or they may not apply to the case study; and/or explanations may be lacking in demonstration of understanding of course concepts, analysis, and/or critical thinking.	0-5 Points   Too few or no objectives are identified and/or explanations are not provided.	10
Model Complete-ness	27-30 Points   Both the as-is and to-be models present all of the steps in the process in detail.	24-26 Points   The as-is and to-be models present most of the steps in the process and provide some detail.	21-23 Points   The as-is and to-be models present the major steps.	18-20 Points   The as-is and to-be models are incomplete or inadequate to demonstrate a complete process.	0-17 Points   Only one model presented or very few process steps are included.	30
Organization of Steps	27-30 Points   Steps in the process are organized in a logical flow with the steps clearly labeled and demonstrate analysis and critical thinking.	24-26 Points   Steps in the process are organized in a logical and well organized flow with the steps labeled.	21-23 Points   Steps in the process are organized in a logical flow with steps labeled.	18-20 Points   Steps may not be organized in a logical flow or may be lacking in demonstration of analysis, and/or critical thinking.	0-17 Points   Process steps are not organized at all, or only one model is presented.	30
Model Presentation	18-20 Points   Models are very professionally presented; use a logical and easily understandable structure, and spelling is correct.	16-17 Points   Models are professionally presented; use a logical structure, and spelling is correct.	14-15 Points   Models are presented well; use a logical structure, and spelling is correct.	12-13 Points   Models are not professionally presented, and/or contain several spelling errors.	0-11 Points   Models are extremely poorly presented and do not convey the information or only one model is presented.	20
Report Format	9-10 Points   Report is very well organized and is easy to read. Very few or no errors demonstrate correct sentence structure, grammar, and spelling; written in third person and presented in a professional format; any references used are properly cited and listed in APA style.	8 Points   Report reflects effective organization; may have a few errors in sentence structure, grammar, and spelling; written in third person and presented in a professional format; any references used are properly cited and listed in APA style.	7 Points   Report is organized and may have some errors in sentence structure, grammar and spelling. Report is written in third person; any references used are properly cited and listed in APA style.	6 Points   Report is not well organized, and/or contains several grammar and/or spelling errors; and/or report is not written in third person; and/or any references used are not properly cited and listed in APA style.	0-5 Points   Report is extremely poorly written; and/or contains many grammar and/or spelling errors; and/or does not convey the information	10

Review the team report on MPBS located in the Case Study Overview.

In this assignment you are expected to recommend the most appropriate method of job evaluation to use at MPBS and support your recommendations with your rationale. Your recommendation should consider the organization’s comprehensive job structure with major occupational groups including scientific, administrative, sales, management, and technical. Your rationale must be backed up with support from the text and/or other articles you may have researched.

Your recommendations must cover the following:

• Describe your recommended approach and the expected impact of that approach on job performance.   Address key HR and compensation issues identified at MPBS.
• Differentiate the components that would need to be included if MPBS were to use a point-based method as compared to a ranking and to a classification method.
• Provide a list of compensable factors for a point-based method and the factor weights you would suggest if using that method.
• Explain how your recommended method of job evaluation aligns with MPBS’s strategic focus.
• Describe the key challenges to effective implementation of the recommended approach to job evaluation at MPBS.

To complete this assignment, write a 3–5 page report in Word format and provide rationale and support.   Apply APA standards for writing style to your work.

By Wednesday, January 20, 2016, deliver your assignment to the M2: Assignment 2 Dropbox.

Assignment 2 Grading Criteria	Maximum Points
Described the recommended approach and expected impact on job performance and addressed key HR and compensation issues identified at MPBS.	24
Differentiated the components and provided a list of compensable factors and factor weights.	16
Explained how the recommended approach to job evaluation aligns with MPBS’s strategic focus.	16
Described the key challenges to effective implementation of the approach to job evaluation at MPBS.	16
Response demonstrates application of concepts, analysis of research information, and critical thinking.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center-Omaha hired you as a diversity management consultant. The vice president for center operations wants to highlight the medical center’s reputation for excellence in accommodating individuals with physical disabilities. As per the contract, one of your deliverables is to write an article on this topic for the medical center newsletter.

From your years as a diversity consultant, you are familiar with the ADA. Discuss the key aspects of ADA that you will share with all employees so they understand the importance of the topic. Include a discussion on how ADA assists organizations in maintaining a diverse workforce.

Write a two-page article, in Word, for the medical center’s company newsletter, which clearly identifies the key elements and importance of the ADA and how ADA can be used to help organizations maintain a diverse workforce.  Your article should conform to APA standards and include at least three references from the AU library and/or the Internet which support your assertions.

By Wednesday, January 20, 2016, deliver your assignment to the M2: Assignment 2 Dropbox.

Assignment 2 Grading Criteria	Maximum Points
Identified and explained the key elements and importance of the ADA.	30
Explained how ADA assists organizations in maintaining a diverse workforce.	30
Supported assertions with examination of evidence and reference to authoritative sources using the online library and text.	30

Primary Discussion Response is due by Wednesday (11:59:59pm Central), Peer Responses are due by Sunday (11:59:59pm Central).

Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, write 300–500 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas.

• What are the 3 branches of the U.S. government? Explain.
• Describe what the powers are for each branch.
• Compare and contrast how state and local governments mirror the 3 branches of US government. Do the 3 branches of state and local governments function in the same manner as their federal government versions? Explain.
• Give your definition of corruption in government. Provide examples of corruption that might exist in each branch of government.
• Consider your state and local governments. Where have you personally observed more evidence of corruption in government – at the federal, state or local level? Provide examples of corruption you have observed to support your answer.

Workflow analysis aims to determine workflow patterns that maximize the effective use of resources and minimize activities that do not add value. There are a variety of tools that can be used to analyze the workflow of processes and clarify potential avenues for eliminating waste. Flowcharts are a basic and commonly used workflow analysis method that can help highlight areas in need of streamlining.

In this Assignment, you select a common event that occurs regularly in your organization and create a flowchart representing the workflow. You analyze the process you have diagrammed and propose changes for improvement.

To prepare:

• Identify a common, simple event that frequently occurs in your organization that you would like to evaluate.
• Consider how you would design a flowchart to represent the current workflow.
• Consider what metrics you would use to determine the effectiveness of the current workflow and identify areas of waste.

To complete:

Write a 3- to 5-page paper which includes the following:

• Create a simple flowchart of the activity you selected. (Review the Sample Workflow of Answering a Telephone in an Office document found in this week’s Learning Resources for an example.)
• Next, in your paper:

o    Explain the process you have diagrammed.

o    For each step or decision point in the process, identify the following:

• Who does this step? (It can be several people.)
• What technology is used?
• What policies and rules are involved in determining how, when, why, or where the step is executed?
• What information is needed for the execution of this step?

o    Describe the metric that is currently used to measure the soundness of the workflow. Is it effective?

o    Describe any areas where improvements could occur and propose changes that could bring about these improvements in the workflow.

o    Summarize why it is important to be aware of the flow of an activity.

Remember to include a cover page, introduction, and summary for your paper.

*Please follow the outline on the first uploaded file. Thank you.

 

Readings

• McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2012).Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge(Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning.

o    Chapter 16, “Nursing Informatics: Improving Workflow and Meaningful Use”

This chapter reviews the reasons for conducting workflow analysis and design. The author explains specific workflow analysis and redesign techniques.

Huser, V., Rasmussen, L. V., Oberg, R., & Starren, J. B. (2011). Implementation of workflow engine technology to deliver basic clinical decision support functionality. BMC Medical Research Methodology,11(1), 43–61.

Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

In this article, the authors describe an implementation of workflow engine technology to support clinical decision making. The article describes some of the pitfalls of implementation, along with successful and future elements.

Koppel, R., & Kreda, D. A. (2010). Healthcare IT usability and suitability for clinical needs: Challenges of design, workflow, and contractual relations. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 157, 7–14.

Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

This article points to many health information technology designs and workflow decisions that limit their value and usage. The authors also examine the structure of the conceptual relationships between HIT vendors and the clinical facilities that purchase HIT.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (n.d.b). Workflow assessment for health IT toolkit.  Retrieved, June 18, 2012, fromhttp://healthit.ahrq.gov/portal/server.pt/community/health_it_tools_and_resources/919/workflow_assessment_for_health_it_toolkit/27865

This article supplies a toolkit on the planning, design, implementation, and use of health information technology. The sections of the website provide a definition of workflow, examples of workflow tools, related anecdotes, and research.

Document: Sample Workflow of Answering a Telephone in an Office (Word document)

Note: You will use this document to complete this week’s Assignment.

Media

• Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012f).System design and workflow. Baltimore, MD: Author.

  Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 7 minutes.

  This video provides an overview of how workflow modeling can be used in a health care setting to target areas for revising current practices and procedures. The video also shows how technology and informatics can be used to improve workflow efficiency and increase the quality of care.

Accessible player –Downloads–Download Video w/CCDownload AudioDownload Transcript

Primary Discussion Response is due by Wednesday (11:59:59pm Central), Peer Responses are due by Sunday (11:59:59pm Central).

Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, write 300–500 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas.

• What are the 3 branches of the U.S. government? Explain.
• Describe what the powers are for each branch.
• Compare and contrast how state and local governments mirror the 3 branches of US government. Do the 3 branches of state and local governments function in the same manner as their federal government versions? Explain.
• Give your definition of corruption in government. Provide examples of corruption that might exist in each branch of government.
• Consider your state and local governments. Where have you personally observed more evidence of corruption in government – at the federal, state or local level? Provide examples of corruption you

his course is Real Estate, not Marketing

Week 7 – Discussion

 

Locate a real estate appraiser. Research to find out how properties are appraised. How do methods differ when the appraiser is looking at residential, multifamily, or commercial properties? What role do real estate agents and brokers play in the appraisal business? How are appraisers trained and ultimately licensed?

 

Narrate your findings in the discussion post and tell what you feel is the most important factor in the high appraisal of a property. Use a consent form and keep identities anonymous.

 

Instruction: