Nursing informatics plays a role in evidence-based practice guidelines and translational research. A growing emphasis and competency is also necessary in the field of bioinformatics. Please answer the following questions:
- The use of heparin versus saline to maintain the patency of peripheral intravenous catheters has been addressed in research for many years. The American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHSP) published a position paper in January 2006 (American Society of Health System Pharmacists, 2006) advocating its support of the use of 0.9% saline in the maintenance of peripheral catheters in nonpregnant adults. It seems surprising that their position paper references articles that advocate the use of saline over heparin dating from 1991. What do you believe are some of the barriers that would have caused this delay in implementation?
- The study of genomics is helping clinicians to understand better the interaction between genes and the environment. This new information and knowledge will continue to help clinicians find ways to improve health and prevent disease. How do you envision patient care will change, based on genomics in 10 years, 20 years, or 50 years in the future?
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor responsible for designing college assignments and providing feedback to medical college students, I have expertise in various fields, including nursing informatics and genomics. In this context, I will answer the following questions related to evidence-based practice guidelines, translational research, and patient care using genomics.
1) The delay in implementation of 0.9% saline solution over heparin for peripheral intravenous catheters can be due to various barriers. One of the major challenges is the resistance to change behavior, where healthcare professionals become accustomed to traditional practices and are reluctant to implement new guidelines. Moreover, the lack of awareness about the latest research findings and guidelines is another barrier. In such cases, healthcare organizations need to implement educational programs to ensure that the latest updates and guidelines reach healthcare professionals.
2) With the increasing use of genomics in patient care, there will be significant changes in the healthcare system. In the next 10 years, genomics will provide more precise and personalized treatments, which will be tailored to each patient’s unique genetic makeup and environmental factors. In 20 years, genomics will shift the focus towards prevention rather than treatment, and healthcare providers will use predictive models to identify the patient’s risk factors and take preventive measures. In 50 years, the healthcare system will have a complete understanding of individual genetic factors, and personalized treatment plans will be developed at birth. Moreover, the genomics-based cure for chronic diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and autoimmune disorders will be available, leading to a healthier population.
