Sunday, January 26, 2020

Landmark Discoveries in Healthcare: An Overview

Landmark Discoveries in Healthcare: An Overview Cynthia Lane Newborn cured of HIV: A woman from Mississippi gave birth to a child that contacted HIV from its mother. The woman was not aware she had HIV and doctors did not take precautions to test her for it. Just after the infant was born it showed signs of being infected with the virus. At the University of Mississippi Medical Center, a Dr. Hannah Gay and her staff decided to take a big chance by giving the infant a three anti-HIV combination drug cocktail. To their surprise the infant has been HIV free for two years after birth. The infant does not show any signs of the infection in its body even though the child is not on any medications after the fact (Subramanian, Oct. 2013). New Changes on Cholesterol Treatments more People on Statins: The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, feels if people were to take statins, cholesterol-lowering drugs this would prevent the first heart attack or stroke events. The outcome would benefit if the patient does not have heart problem history, with factors on gender, sex, age, smoking history, blood pressure cholesterol levels or is a diabetic (LaRosa, 2001). A Home Pregnancy Test for the first time that Tells How Pregnant You Are Approved by Food and Drug Administration, the Clearblue Advanced Pregnancy Test can tell you in estimate weeks how far you are in your pregnancy (Gallagher, May, 2013; Shoukhrat, 2001-2014). Embryonic stem cells: Advance in medical human cloning A professor Shoukhrat Mitalipov at the Oregon Health Science University, who cloned Dolly the sheep back in 1996. Professor Mitalipov used the same process but this time he used human skin cells he were hollowed out, he successfully stimulated the egg to electrically and chemically the egg divided and produced an embryonic stem cells. The embryonic stem cells would be used to create body tissues and organs that may be used to treat Alzehimer’s, diabetes and heart disease (Gallagher, May, 2013; Shoukhrat, 2001-2014). One Dose instead of Three Doses of Vaccine May be Plenty to Protect Against HPV The HPV-human papillomavirus vaccine is given to girls and boys between 11 and 12 years old to protect them against genital warts and cervical cancer. At first the children would have to have three shots (immunizations) of the vaccine to be effective; half of the children are not returning to their physician or clinic to complete the series. A group of international researchers confirmed that one dose of the vaccine can generate an increase of 24 times of antibodies in the body which would be enough to protect them from HPV and the risk of cancer would be lower (Sifferlin, Nov. 2014). New Hair Growth Research Columbia University, researchers says transplanting hair follicles upside down can produce new hair growth. Patches of foreskin from circumcised babies are used because they do not have hair follicles. The foreskin is inverted and takes root to produce hair (CU Researchers, 2013). Poop Pill Dr. Thomas Louie of the University of Calgary, created a gel capsule that is made of bacteria found in poop. Our bodies have microbes in our gut that help digest our food and fight other disease-causing microbes. The gel capsule is best used to cure Clostridium difficile infection, which is called for short C diff, this is a very contagious intestinal infection which causes diarrhea and deadly inflammation of the colon. Less than 30 patients were tested with this gel capsule and have not experienced any recurrent symptoms of the C diff infection (Marchione, Oct. 2013). Changing Poor Quality Eggs to Healthy Eggs Stanford University researches elaborated a technique for women with poor quality eggs to make healthy, mature eggs from their own eggs. The researchers would remove a piece of ovarian tissue or an ovary and treat it with proteins and other factors in the lab. The tissue would be recharged then re-implanted close to the fallopian tubes. Five out of 27 women produced healthy eggs, one gave birth to a healthy baby, and one woman became pregnant (Sifferlin, Sept. 2013). New Genes Linked to Alzeheimer’s There are 24 genes now known associated with Alzheimer’s, the discovery involves inflammation and the body’s immune responses. They are associated with the brain changes of Alzheimer’s researchers will target drugs that would potentially treat memory loss symptoms and dementia which is a mark of brain disorder (Paddock, Oct. 2013). Parkinson’s Disease Detected Early Scientists feel by detecting Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s as early as possible this would identify their disease and be able to intercept with treatments. Panel of proteins of spinal fluid can help scientists identify the first stage of the disease. By controlling the symptoms in their early stage of the Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, experts hope to launch new studies to make drugs that failed obsolete (SpiritIndia, 2006). References Gallagher, James; Health and science reporter, BBC News (15 May 2013) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-22540374 Mitalipov, Shoukhrat (2001-2014 Oregon Health Science University) Oregon National Primate Research Center Oregon Stem Cell Center Departments of Obstetrics Gynecology and Molecular Medical Genetics Oregon Health Science University http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/research/centers-institutes/stem-cell-center/mitalipov-lab/ LaRosa, MD, John C; From the State University of New York-Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York (Circulation. (2001);104:1688-1692doi: 10.1161/à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹hc3901.096665). Prevention and Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease: Who Benefits? Circulation is published by the American Heart Association http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/104/14/1688 Marchione, Marilynn —Oct. 3, 2013; PILLS MADE FROM POOP CURE SERIOUS GUT INFECTIONS AP News: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/pills-made-poop-cure-serious-gut-infections Laird Harrison (October03,2013) Fecal Transplant Pills Effective for C difficile.Medscape.Oct03,2013. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/812079 One Dose of HPV Vaccine May Protect Against Cervical Cancer | TIME.comhttp://healthland.time.com/2013/11/04/less-is-more-one-instead-of-three-doses-of-hpv-vaccine-may-protect-against-cervical-cancer/#ixzz2r9isNIYr Paddock PhD, Catherine; Monday 28 October 2013- Scientists discover 11 new Alzheimers risk genes; http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/267998.php Researchers transplant human hair onto mice using infant foreskins PUBLISHED: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2013, 5:28 AM UPDATED: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2013, 10:29 AM http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/researchers-transplant-human-hair-mice-article-1.1492475#ixzz2r9kVxUHl Sifferlin, Alexandra(Nov. 04, 2013) http://healthland.time.com/2013/11/04/less-is-more-one-instead-of-three-doses-of-hpv-vaccine-may-protect-against-cervical-cancer/ Sifferlin, Alexandra (Sept. 30, 2013- New Hope for Infertile Women: Healthy Eggs http://healthland.time.com/2013/09/30/new-hope-for-infertile-women-healthy-eggs/ New Procedure to Induce Egg Growth Gives Fresh Hope to Infertile Women | TIME.comhttp://healthland.time.com/2013/09/30/new-hope-for-infertile-women-healthy-eggs/#ixzz2r9o9nOPw Subramanian, Courtney; Oct. 23, 2013; Newborn ‘Functionally Cured’ of HIV Remains in Remission. The revelation comes 18 months after all treatment ceased Newborn ‘Functionally Cured’ of HIV Remains in Remission | TIME.comhttp://healthland.time.com/2013/10/23/newborn-functionally-cured-of-hiv-remains-in-remission/#ixzz2r9RG4A7W

Saturday, January 18, 2020

Medical Assistant Ethics

There are numerous ethical issues that a medical assistant may encounter in a daily office or hospital setting. It is unethical to have a conversation with a fellow coworker regarding a patient. The patient may overhear or worse they may be related to someone in the office. It is no one’s business as to why the patient had an appointment. Another unethical behavior that is unacceptable is foul language in front of the patients. They do not need to hear that kind of language under any circumstances. When a patient comes in to see you and smells of urine or alcohol, be courteous to the patient and do not judge the patient. This patient may not have the means to shower daily or they may be sick and are unaware of the odor. A good thing to remember when dealing with an ethical issue is always do the right thing at the right time and it will never become an issue. Medical Assistants need to put themselves into the shoes of the patient. They need to ask themselves, how would I want to be treated? How would I like to be recognized in the eyes of the health care worker? How would I want my family treated? In doing this little experiment on a daily basis they will come to realize that we all are human and need to be treated equally, no matter what the situation may be. The general skills of a Medical Assistant consist of basic customer service. They must be able to communicate between the doctors and the patients. They need to do this within the legal and ethical boundaries. Document every conversation because if it is not documented then the conversation never happened. Educate the patient within the scope of practice. Let the patient know of community resources for future reference of patients’ needs. Operational functions are also a part of the daily duties of a Medical Assistant. Performing inventory of supplies and equipment so items can be replenished. Doing these functions will always help in maintaining the highest quality of care for the patient. Clinical skills of the CMA of general patient care to make them as comfortable as possible. Many diagnostic procedures are required of the CMA; from collecting specimens to performing radiology tests. Fundamental principles consisting of sterilizing rooms and equipment are skills that a CMA will do daily. Doing these clinical skills while practicing standard precautions must be a high priority for everyone in the health care facility. Administrative skills are essential for a CMA to do the job that is required of them. It is all done via computer so there typing skills must be adequate for them to succeed. From patient schedules to bookkeeping to insurance forms, all is done on a daily basis. Licensure is when a government agency authorizes individuals to work in a job. A CMA does not need a license to work. Professions needing licenses are nurses and therapists. Registration is a professional organization in a specific health care field that administers exams and/or maintains a list of qualified individuals. CMA’s can apply for a registration credential. This would give them a better paying job and more responsibilities at their present facility. Certification involves the issuing of a certificate and credentials by a professional organization to someone who has met the experience and education guidelines of that organization. This basically tells everyone that you have finished your schooling for Medical Assisting. For a Medical Assistant to maintain his/her certification they must recertify either by passing the CMA exam again or by receiving sixty recertification points, thirty of which must be AAMA approved CEU’s. The points must be as follows 10 administrative, 10 clinical, 10 general and 30 from any combination of the above three categories. You must also submit proof (photocopy of the card and length of program) of current, provider level CPR certification. Continuing education units (CEU’s) can be received by reading online books and taking a test when finished. The AAMA sponsors many workshops, seminars, and county, state, and national conferences for MA’s to remain current in their field and earn the CEU’s. For the safety of the patient and employee, an MA should never perform any tasks that are outside the scope of the MA practice. Outside the scope of a Medical Assistant’s practice would be suturing a wound, administering a pap test for a female patient, or possibly giving the patient the diagnosis of the symptoms they are experiencing. A physician should never delegate the full range of physical therapy to anyone other than a physical therapist. Under no circumstances should the Medical Assistant do any duties that are outside their scope of practice. If I were approached by my supervisor to perform outside of my scope of practice, I would calmly and rationally refuse the request. I do not feel that any job is worth losing if you are asked to perform it wrong. I would explain to my supervisor politely that I am not qualified to perform the task asked and I would suggest someone else in the facility that is capable. I would let them know I would be willing to help out with any other task that is within my scope of practice. In order to find the article listed, I went to google. com and found an article from AAMA website on scope of practice act for Wisconsin. You can also go to AAMA website. Click on site map. Go to CMA today and scroll down. Click on Public Affairs Articles. Scroll down until you see the article found on google. If I were approached by a patient or a fellow coworker and referred to as a nurse, I would explain to them that I am a Medical Assistant and explain some of my job functions. I would let them know that there is a big difference and the title does need to be corrected. I would let them know that if I were to acknowledge the comment of being called a nurse, I could lose my job as well as my career. They may not understand that it is a very serious offense. I would explain them that the actual nurses would not be able to be titled as a doctor so the same holds true for me. When a medical assistant misrepresents herself/himself, they are in fact making the entire profession look bad in the eyes of the patient. The disciplinary results that could happen to the medical assistant are far greater than the prestige of stating you are who you are not. State disciplinary actions can result in fines and other criminal penalties. All office personnel should avoid referring to the medical assistant as a nurse also not just the patient. The doctor can also lose his career and/or a fine. I could lose my certification also.

Friday, January 10, 2020

Balanced Scorecard and Strategy Map Essay

Balanced Scorecard: Part of a system that translates strategy into action. Also, gives a balanced view in four perspectives of how well an organization is driving execution and how successful the results are. The four perspectives in the balanced scorecard and strategy map give executives a more balanced view of their organization. Strategy Map: Represents how an organization will execute its strategy. The Strategy Map shows the objectives needed to execute the strategy and casual links between objectives. It can also be a tool for clear communication and help identify the â€Å"critical few† metrics to monitor strategic execution. Examples: The first of the four aspects contained in the Balanced Scorecard is the Customers. Finding ways to appeal to your customers can be a tough task, but it is one that has to be assessed. For my company, we will have to differentiate between trying to be the broad differentiator or trying to be the low-cost leader. Customer complaints and concerns can also be an issue, so we will want to monitor and record all of those statements to ensure customer satisfaction. In order for us to succeed financially, we have to make sure that we are presenting ourselves well to our shareholders. Do we want to achieve a certain earnings per share or a certain income figure? Our goal this year may be to break even or reach a certain revenue level. Whichever the case may be, we will have to be firm in what we are trying to accomplish. The financial section of the scorecard looks at the company’s financial goals and how they are meeting the goals both currently and in the future. For my company, it will be the most important metric because we want to show our  shareholders the exact progress and growth of the company accurately. Our company will want to continue to grow and have the ability to adapt and improve. In order to do so, we will have to provide detail metrics to track our growth and expansion if there is any. Metrics may include employee retention rates or even the number of training hours for full-time employees. As an organization, it is necessary to adapt to a changing landscape through employee training, learning, and development. With these metrics we can look into the future of the organization, instead of taking a snapshot of how the organization is performing right now. To satisfy our shareholders and customers, we can either sell a large quantity of items at a low price or focus completely on a high quality product that comes at a premium price. Both strategies could be effective, but we will only be able to choose one to fulfill the vision of what we want the company to be in the future. The Strategy Map and Balanced Scorecard go hand in hand and are vital platforms that all companies need to be successful. I like to compare it to the checks and balances system that our government has had in place since its birth. The balanced scorecard monitors finances, performance, growth, and vision while the strategy map makes sure that all of these metrics are organized and focused towards achieving our companies’ goals. References Person, R. (2013). Accelerating Strategic Performace. In Balanced Scorecards & Operational Dashboards With Microsoft Excel (2.nd ed., p. 6, 7, 8). Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley ;.

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Assessment Of Health Protection As Part Of A Public Health

Within this essay appraisal of health protection as part of the ‘bigger picture’ of Public Health will be explored. A Deeper exploration of Measles will be evaluated along with an appraisal and analysis of an environmental hazard, The impact of communicable diseases and environmental hazards within public health and the factors that determine the severity of that impact will also be discussed. Public Health (PH) Wales was established as a National Health Service (NHS) in October 2009. One of its four statutory functions is to provide and manage a range of services relating to the surveillance, prevention and control of communicable diseases (Wales, P.H. 2013). Ensuring the safety of the Public’s health in general will ultimately prevent the transmission of communicable diseases (CDC, 1998). Currently there are Seven Health boards within specified areas of Wales responsible for delivering all healthcare services some of the services include investigation, management and surveillance of communicable diseases, developing a strategy to support and monitor immunisation programmes effectively, providing advice on public infection control (NHS Wales, ND) The Chartered institute of Environmental health states â€Å"Health Protection comes under the umbrella of Public health, there are many policies and health practice’s which improve the prevention and control of infectious diseases and other environmental threats to the population’s health and wellbeing† (Chartered institute ofShow MoreRelatedCommon Health Traditions Based On Cultural Heritage1137 Words   |  5 Pages Common Health Traditions Based on Cultural Heritage Grand Canyon University Maylen Rodriguez NRS-429V-0104 Family Center Health Promotion September 21, 2014 Common Health Traditions Based on Cultural Heritage In order to understand heritage and apply the Heritage Assessment Tool, one most know. 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