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Discussion 520 doctor Replies
Abdullah 520
How data mining supported process improvement in a healthcare organization
Innovations improve the quality, affordability, and efficiency of healthcare. New technology and commercial strategies, for example, aid in
the advancement of healthcare. Furthermore, healthcare systems throughout the globe are facing unprecedented problems, such as the continuous
and quick modification of clinical procedures based on increasing scientific data and the provision of high-quality treatment with limited
resources.(Munoz-Gama et al., 2022)
Process execution data are a key source of information for healthcare process management and improvement. Health Information Systems
(HISs) are often utilized in healthcare organizations. Process mining methods may be used to analyze business processes utilizing data captured
during their execution. These approaches are used in a variety of fields, including healthcare, where it primarily focuses on the examination of
diagnostic, therapeutic, and organizational processes.(Munoz-Gama et al., 2022)
In contrast to other techniques, such as process mapping exercises involving staff members, process mining begins with data on a process’s
real-world behavior. As a result, process mining may help healthcare organizations achieve each of the triple goals for healthcare improvement:
(i) improving population health, for example, by facilitating the analysis and improvement of care pathways; (ii) improving patient experience,
for example, by highlighting how a process can be streamlined from the patient’s perspective; (iii) lowering costs, for example, by highlighting
bottlenecks; and (iv) improving the work-life balance of healthcare professionals, for example, by enabling the analysis of resource involvement
and requirements in a healthcare process.(Munoz-Gama et al., 2022)
Process mining is a set of approaches for extracting useful information from data generated by processes as they run. It acts as a link between
process science (which includes fields like business process management and operations research) and data science (which includes things like
data mining and predictive analytics), resulting in ways for analyzing processes using data. Process mining is domain-agnostic, which means that
it may be used in any industry where processes exist and data characterizing them is accessible. The application of process mining in healthcare,
the subject of this research, is rising.(Munoz-Gama et al., 2022)
Clinical pathways are highly flexible because all patients requiring the same treatment have different co-morbidities and complications, they
involve complex decision-making due to their knowledge-intensive nature, they are performed by a network of specialists, and they are
constantly evolving due to innovations and unforeseen situations. Using process variation analysis to identify differences across groups of route
executions may assist determine if process improvement is required and, if so, which adjustments can make the process more efficient. Caron et
al. performed this investigation on 1143 gynecologic oncology patients, dividing them into two subsets: those who had radiation and those who
received chemotherapy.(Munoz-Gama et al., 2022)
A popular strategy to dealing with this problem is to eliminate or decrease the variability in the event log using abstraction techniques such
as filtering or aggregation, such as trace clustering and semantic activity aggregation. However, this method provides process models that only
address a subset of the topic at hand. Such techniques may not be enough for many real-world healthcare applications since they only give a
partial perspective of the process and may conceal important rare behavior.(Munoz-Gama et al., 2022)
From February 2004 to June 2021, the National Reporting and Learning System (NRLS), the national repository of patient safety events in
the United Kingdom, was used to issue 150 patient safety warnings, reducing the risk of future occurrences. In the United Kingdom, the
“Learning from Litigation Claims” advice was produced in 2021 to help organizations learn from NHS negligence cases and improve patient
safety. In the United States, analyzing patient complaints has been shown to be an effective method of monitoring diagnostic safety risks. These
examples show how a single data source may provide a variety of results.(Crespo et al., 2021)
This research used linear discriminant analysis to triangulate 10 regularly obtained London NHS datasets in order to establish some of the
important aspects associated with safer hospitals. Good organizations were those with a CQC Safe rating of “Good” or “Outstanding,” whereas
RI organizations were those with a rating of “Inadequate” or “Requires Improvement.” Our results indicate that improving the safety rating
involves conscious understanding and management of three stakeholders’ needs: staff, patients, and organizations (as determined by the NHS
Staff Survey).(Crespo et al., 2021)
Organizational safety concerns, such as organizational effects and senior management, are hidden faults that have a direct impact on other
levels of human failure. These shortcomings fall under three categories (ref): resource management, organizational processes, and organizational
climate.(Crespo et al., 2021)
Reference:
Crespo, R. F., Neves, A. L., Alagha, M. A., Leis, M., Flott, K., Bray, O., Fontana, G., Peck, J., Aldred, V., & Darzi, A. (2021). What can data
mining tell us about patient safety? Using linear discriminant analysis to identify characteristics associated with positive safety rating in London
NHS organisations (p. 2021.11.12.21266228). medRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.11.12.21266228
Munoz-Gama, J., Martin, N., Fernandez-Llatas, C., Johnson, O. A., Sepúlveda, M., Helm, E., Galvez-Yanjari, V., Rojas, E., Martinez-Millana,
A., Aloini, D., Amantea, I. A., Andrews, R., Arias, M., Beerepoot, I., Benevento, E., Burattin, A., Capurro, D., Carmona, J., Comuzzi,
M., … Zerbato, F. (2022). Process mining for healthcare: Characteristics and challenges. Journal of Biomedical Informatics, 127, 103994.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbi.2022.103994
Discussion 520 doctor Replies
Shahad 520
Process Improvement in Radiation Oncology
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Observations on Effectiveness
Healthcare organizations successfully integrate data mining tools for patient safety and process improvement. These firms gain essential
insights by analyzing large datasets and seeing subtle patterns that could otherwise go undiscovered (Mutic et al., 2010). With this proactive
approach, problems may be solved quickly, operational procedures can be optimized, and overall patient safety protocols can be improved. It
also promotes a culture of ongoing learning and development, strengthening the organization’s dedication to providing high-quality healthcare
services.
Methodologies and Process Improvement
A multidimensional approach to describing and diagnosing issues probably included techniques like trend analysis, statistical modeling, and
root cause analysis. These techniques allowed medical personnel to target particular problem areas and make process changes (Mutic et al.,
2010). These improvements included extensive workflow reorganization, the adoption of new protocols based on data-driven insights, and
advancing training programs. Healthcare companies successfully overcame obstacles by implementing these evidence-based solutions, offering a
comprehensive and long-lasting approach to problem-solving.
Metrics and Sustainability
Several indicators, including but not limited to mistake rates, patient outcomes, staff adherence to protocols, and resource usage
efficiency, were probably used to measure improvements (Mutic et al., 2010). The organization could gauge the effects of changes implemented
because of these measures, which acted as quantitative indicators. The persistence of favorable trends in these parameters likely served as a
proxy for sustainability (Mutic et al., 2010). Continuous monitoring and adjustment were essential to guaranteeing the sustainability of the
improvement efforts over the long run; any departure from the desired KPIs would prompt corrective actions.
Unexplored Opportunities for Improvement
Although the strategies put into place are solid, there are still several opportunities for improvement that still need to be explored. Including
real-time monitoring tools like the Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets and analytics powered by AI might deliver immediate responses (Mutic et
al., 2010). This real-time data may further improve patient safety by enabling healthcare providers to make prompt, well-informed decisions. A
culture of open discussion about near-misses and mistakes among the personnel could also improve the reporting mechanism. Promoting a
culture of proactive reporting ensures a large dataset and more insightful analysis (Mutic et al., 2010). Regular training sessions and sporadic
refresher courses may address any comprehension or practice gaps, which would reinforce the staff’s newly acquired knowledge and skills. The
healthcare organization’s journey toward continuous improvement would benefit significantly from these extra techniques.
Reference
Mutic, S., Brame, R. S., Oddiraju, S., Parikh, P., Westfall, M. A., Hopkins, M. L., … & Wu, B. (2010). Event (error and near‐miss) reporting and
learning system for process improvement in radiation oncology. Medical physics, 37(9), 5027-5036. https://doi.org/10.1118/1.3471377
Discussion 530 Student Replies
Nasser Reply 530
In the field of HFE, the pharmacy environment may be of interest because of the high-risk nature of the activity and the possibility of
medical errors. In addition to the inherent risk associated with dispensing, patient safety is challenged by the complex and dynamic nature of the
pharmacy setting. The role of the pharmacy setting is notably expanding on a global scale. Pharmacists have taken on the role of prescribing in
acute and secondary care settings, and they now administer vaccinations, provide medication reviews, and assist patients in quitting smoking. In
order to improve the effectiveness and workflow of pharmacy work systems, a significant number of personnel changes have been made. For
example, pharmacy technicians have been added to the workforce to verify the accuracy of medication dispensed, and new technologies like
automated dispensing and electronic prescribing (ePrescribing) have been implemented (Weir et al., 2020).
Multiple studies indicate that healthcare employees, particularly pharmacy workers, may experience MSDs. Numerous work and non-work
circumstances can cause this issue. Daily activities can cause physical and psychological MSDs. Pharmacy unit workers face ergonomic hazards
from computer work, data collection, working area design, repetitive tasks, non-ergonomic pressures, static postures, and drug spills.
Consequently, these risk factors led to pharmacy workers experiencing MSDs such low back and neck pain. Falling is another occupational risk
for pharmacists. Slippery surfaces and spilled chemicals can cause workplace mishaps, along with improper work methods or postures (Nasution
& Mahyuni, 2020).
The ART instrument helps assess repetitive tasks involving upper limb movements (arms and hands) for risk assessment. This tool helps
identify common risk factors for upper limb disorders (ULDs) in repetitive employment. ART targets those who develop, assess, manage, and
inspect repetitive tasks. It can identify high-risk tasks and prioritize risk-reduction strategies. It will benefit employers, safety advocates, health
and safety practitioners, consultants, and ergonomists (Health and Safety Executive2022).
Enter each risk factor’s color band and numerical score on the scoring sheet. On the score sheet, you can note additional relevant assessment
findings. For both arms, numerous criteria just need to be checked once. These include head/neck posture, back posture, breaks, and work
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tempo. Please enter scores for both the left and right arms in the respective columns. Task and exposure scores prioritize urgent tasks and
evaluate the effectiveness of improvements (Health and Safety Executive2022).
References
Health and Safety Executive (2022). (10th ed.). Oxford University Press.
Nasution, A. D., & Mahyuni, E. L. (2020). The Impact of Work Method on Musculoskeletal Disorders Complaints in Pharmacy Unit.
Weir, N. M., Newham, R., & Bennie, M. (2020). A literature review of human factors and ergonomics within the pharmacy dispensing
process. Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy, 16(5), 637-645.
Abdullah Reply 530
Assessment of repetitive tasks (ART)
COLLAPSE
work-related upper limb diseases (WRULD) are a well-known condition that causes job impairment, productivity loss, and social
expenditures globally. In Sweden in 2020, 58% of people who claimed to have suffered from poor health owing to work circumstances other
than an accident reported symptoms in the neck and/or upper extremities. These illnesses are linked to hand-intensive activity that requires
severe effort, high repetition, extended duration, awkward or immobile postures, and often a combination of these traits.(Eliasson et al., 2022)
Physical factors in the workplace, including as intense effort, awkward postures, and repetitive activity, as well as psychological and
organizational factors, are linked to WRMSDs in the neck, shoulder, and arms. As a result, risk evaluations of physical elements are critical for
identifying potentially hazardous work activities and prioritizing and developing workplace interventions, both in terms of physical design of the
workplace, work technique, and work organization.(Nyman et al., 2023)
Carpal tunnel syndrome, non-specific arm discomfort, tenosynovitis (tendon inflammation), and lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) are all
common work-related upper limb diseases. Upper limb problem discomfort accounts for about one out of every ten missed working days, with
the typical illness absence lasting 13 days. This comes at a high cost to enterprises.(Bromhead, 2018)
Repetitive upper limb activities comprise a series of upper limb motions that are performed every few minutes or more often. The duties are
typically completed for one to two hours every day or shift, with the dangers associated being repetition, force, posture, and working
environment. The HSE created the ART (Assessment of Repetitive tasks) tool to assist with risk assessment activities. The instrument is
designed to evaluate the frequency with which light weights or other repeated jobs are handled, which might lead to upper limb
disorder.(Bromhead, 2018)
The ART tool is especially beneficial for repetitive strain concerns when non-neutral postures and repetition are important risk factors. It
allows for the detection of concerns that would otherwise go unexplored during a routine manual handling risk assessment. After completing a
comprehensive evaluation using the ART tool, a mechanism for evaluating the overall result is offered, along with suggestions on the need for
any additional action.(Bromhead, 2018)
The ART tool takes a step-by-step approach:
•
•
•
•
Stage A: Frequency and repetition of movements;
Stage B: Force;
Stage C: Awkward postures;
Stage D: Additional factors.
For each stage, follow the flow chart and/or assessment guide to determine the level of risk for each risk factor. The levels of risk are
classified in the table below.
• G = GREEN Low level of risk
• A = AMBER Medium level of risk – Examine task closely
• R = RED High level of risk – Prompt action needed
Score sheet
Enter the colour band and numerical score for each risk factor in the table below. Follow the instructions on page 15 to determine the task score
and exposure score.
Left arm
Right arm
Risk factors
Colour
A1 Arm movements
A2 Repetition
B Force
Score
Colour
Score
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C1 Head/neck posture
C2 Back posture
C3 Arm posture
C4 Wrist posture
C5 Hand/finger grip
D1 Breaks
D2 Work pace
D3 Other factors
Task score
D4 Duration multiplier
X
X
Exposure score
D5 Psychosocial factors
Reference:
Bromhead, A. (2018, January 12). A Guide to the HSE ART tool. Dr Alistair Bromhead Ltd. https://www.abromhead.co.uk/a-guide-to-the-hseart-tool/
Eliasson, K., Fjellman-Wiklund, A., Dahlgren, G., Hellman, T., Svartengren, M., Nyman, T., & Lewis, C. (2022). Ergonomists’ experiences of
executing occupational health surveillance for workers exposed to hand-intensive work: A qualitative exploration. BMC Health Services
Research, 22, 1223. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-08601-2
Nyman, T., Rhén, I.-M., Johansson, P. J., Eliasson, K., Kjellberg, K., Lindberg, P., Fan, X., & Forsman, M. (2023). Reliability and Validity of
Six Selected Observational Methods for Risk Assessment of Hand Intensive and Repetitive Work. International Journal of Environmental
Research and Public Health, 20(8), 5505. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20085505
Discussion 525 doctor Replies
Shahad 525
Balancing Technology and Human Interaction
Numerous difficulties arise when people connect with technology, especially regarding healthcare and patient care. The possibility of
depersonalization and diminished empathy in healthcare settings, when technology takes center stage is a big challenge. Healthcare personnel
risk concentrating more on screens than patients as computer or mobile application interfaces grow increasingly prevalent in patient care (He et
al., 2021). This may compromise the standard of care and obstruct efficient patient-provider communication.
Furthermore, providing effective and efficient patient care is hampered by the complexity of technology interfaces (Alsswey & Al-Samarraie,
2020). Because not all healthcare personnel are tech-aware, figuring out complex software or apps might take away from time that would be
better spent providing care for patients. The requirement for ongoing training and updates to stay current with technology can also strain
healthcare organizations’ personnel and resources, sometimes resulting in employee burnout and declining job satisfaction.
Recommended Changes
Several suggestions can be made to solve these issues and build interfaces for successful and efficient patient care. User-centred design
principles ought to come first and foremost (Alsswey & Al-Samarraie, 2020). This entails incorporating patients, caregivers, and healthcare
professionals in the design process to guarantee that the interface is user-friendly and meets their requirements.
Prioritizing simplicity is also essential. Interfaces should require the fewest number of clicks and instruct no data entering. This lessens the
cognitive burden on healthcare professionals, enabling them to concentrate more on their patient interactions and less on figuring out
complicated systems. Additionally, by incorporating user-friendly training and support into the program, healthcare personnel will be better
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equipped to use the technology. Regular updates should emphasize user feedback and ongoing improvement to improve usability rather than
make it more difficult (He et al., 2021).
Finally, it is critical to balance technological use and interpersonal communication. Technology should be viewed as a tool to supplement, not
replace, the talents of healthcare professionals to deliver caring and patient-centred care (Alsswey & Al-Samarraie, 2020). The advantages of
cutting-edge technology and the comfort of human care can be provided to patients by promoting face-to-face connection and technological
solutions.
In conclusion, user-centred design and careful planning can reduce the difficulties associated with human interactions with technology in
patient care. The focus should always be on improving rather than impeding the level of care and interpersonal relationships at the core of
healthcare.
References
Alsswey, A., & Al-Samarraie, H. (2020). Elderly users’ acceptance of mHealth user interface (UI) design-based culture: the moderator role of
age. Journal on multimodal user interfaces, 14, 49-59. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12193-019-00307-w
He, W., Zhang, Z. J., & Li, W. (2021). Information technology solutions, challenges, and suggestions for tackling the COVID-19
pandemic. International journal of information management, 57, 102287. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2020.102287
Mohammed fahad 525
the principles of ethical guidelines in health informatics and how healthcare providers balance the needs to protect population health while
respecting individuals’ privacy when gathering and sharing medical information.
1. Principle of Privacy and Confidentiality: Privacy and confidentiality are fundamental ethical principles in healthcare. Healthcare providers
have a duty to protect patients’ personal health information from unauthorized access and disclosure. This includes implementing robust security
measures, such as encryption and access controls, to safeguard patient data (Borycki & Kushniruk, 2011). Additionally, healthcare providers
should adhere to legal and regulatory requirements, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United
States, which protect patient privacy and ensure the confidentiality of health information.
2. Principle of Informed Consent: Informed consent plays a crucial role in respecting individual autonomy and privacy. Healthcare providers
should obtain the informed consent of patients before collecting, storing, and sharing their medical information. Informed consent involves
providing patients with clear and comprehensive information about the purpose, scope, and potential risks associated with the use of their data.
Patients should have the opportunity to ask questions, clarify concerns, and make informed decisions regarding the use of their health
information (Grando et al., 2016).
3. Principle of Data Accuracy and Quality: Healthcare providers have an ethical obligation to ensure the accuracy and quality of health data used
in informatics systems. Data integrity is essential for making informed clinical decisions and improving patient care. Healthcare organizations
should establish data validation processes, data quality monitoring mechanisms, and regular audits to identify and rectify any inaccuracies or
inconsistencies in health data (Borycki & Kushniruk, 2011).
4. Principle of Data Governance and Accountability: Effective data governance frameworks are essential for maintaining ethical standards in
health informatics. Healthcare providers should establish policies and procedures that outline the responsibilities, roles, and accountabilities of
individuals and teams involved in data management. This includes defining access controls, establishing data sharing agreements, and ensuring
compliance with legal and ethical guidelines (Grando et al., 2016).
Balancing the needs to protect population health while respecting individuals’ privacy requires a comprehensive approach. Some strategies that
healthcare providers can employ include:
a. De-identification and anonymization: When sharing health data for research or public health purposes, healthcare providers can de-identify or
anonymize the data to remove personally identifiable information. This approach helps protect patient privacy while still enabling the use of data
for population health studies or epidemiological research.
b. Data minimization: Healthcare providers should collect only the necessary data required for a specific purpose. Minimizing the collection of
sensitive information reduces the risk of privacy breaches and ensures that data collection aligns with the principles of privacy and
confidentiality.
c. Transparent communication: Healthcare providers should maintain open and transparent communication with patients regarding the
collection, use, and sharing of their health information. This includes informing patients about their rights, the purposes of data collection, the
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potential risks and benefits, and the safeguards in place to protect their privacy. Building trust through clear communication helps individuals
feel more comfortable with the use of their data (Grando et al., 2016).
In conclusion, ethical guidelines in health informatics emphasize the principles of privacy, confidentiality, informed consent, data accuracy, and
data governance. Healthcare providers can balance the needs to protect population health and respect individuals’ privacy by implementing
robust security measures, obtaining informed consent, ensuring data accuracy, and fostering transparent communication with patients. Adhering
to these principles helps maintain the trust and confidence of patients while enabling the effective use of health informatics for improving
healthcare outcomes.
References:
Borycki, E. M., & Kushniruk, A. W. (2011). Toward an applied ethical framework for health information systems. Journal of the American
Medical Informatics Association, 18(5), 570-578.
Grando, M. A., Rozenblum, R., Bates, D. W., & Shapiro, J. S. (2016). How can health information technology improve care coordination in
transitions of care? American Journal of Medical Quality, 31(6), 530-539.
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