In Conclusion

Over the last few weeks I have learned several things related to IT. The Management of Information Systems course has proven challenging for me, as well as the Creation and maintenance of the Blog. To be quite honest, before this class I was not even sure what a blog was, how that differed from a web-site, or even how I could benefit from participating in such a thing. Who has the time? What does it really matter? Who reads these things? Is there anyone really out there?
I felt much like the woman in this picture. There were many times that I knew I was doing something that just was not yielding what I wanted....but what the heck was it!? I ventured to parts unknown to me- youtube , and google earth. Interesting areas I must say, and I do realize now that I was missing out on some entertainment. More importantly I managed to stumble upon items of relevance to research I am doing now for work, see the organ donation article below.
I know the answers to those questions now. I know some people from class read parts and some of my blog articles, but more importantly, I found a new form of communication. In a busy work environment, as a manager I am always looking at ways to increase communication abilities within my departments. The number one compliant from staff is that there is a lack of communication. It does not matter how many pieces of paper are attached to a wall, how many bathroom doors (eventually everyone goes there) have the MUST READ lists of information (talk about your captive audience), there are still those that just did not see the memo. The use of a tool similar to a blog would certainly work towards improving communication within a workplace. I guess the realization that all needs are different, all people are different, and part of my role is to ensure all those different needs are addressed in some fashion or another. This has certainly opened my eyes to the possibilities.
On a personal note, I have to be honest in saying I am not sad to see this course end. I found it most challenging of all thus far. I think there were a lot of factors that have come into play to cause this feeling. One, I am not a computer savvy person, and have managed to "fake" knowledge up until now. Someone was always around to hold my hand and direct me in the right direction- two, the time of year is a challenge. We are coming from our winter Bla, and looking forward to warm weather, longing to do other things than dedicate all free time to studies. Family and children are tired of the work I put into these courses. From the mouth of my 3 year old 'mommy....why do you study so long?'. I think- because mommy is stupid!! But reality is I can not accept failure, but have been forced to this time around. So what is important? That I have finished this blog? yes... That class is almost done....yes...That I am taking the weekend to spend time with my family, walk on the beach, let the waves lap at my toes, stand on the edge of what feels like the world, listening to the surf, the birds, my children's giggles of delight, only broken by a "mommy come see what I found!".... that is what is important to me. I have learned I am but one, but sometimes all it takes is one.
Take care all, see you in September.
Amanda

Over the Phone you say?

Health care over the phone... how does that work?

Telehealth has changed the accessibility of health care for many in our country. As technology has advanced, innovative ways to access health care have been popping up. It may seem a little "out there" to think that you can access health care over a telephone, but many provinces have implemented the idea, and they are not loosing on the deal. Manitoba, BC, and Alberta are but a few who offer this service. New Brunswick does as well. Instead of taking a child to the emergency department at night for some reassurance and advise on managing a health issue, access to a registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If further intervention is required advice will be given over the phone as to which facility to access.

After surgery, many patients are able to have follow up appointments in their home. Particularly if they are a distance form the health center. This is an issue for much of Canada given our geographical issues. Savings in time, challenges with accessibility, and consistency can be overcome with a little help from a web cam, phone line, and a laptop.

There are other benefits to the telehealth way of delivering care- reduced visits to emergency departments, decreased wait times, efficient care, patient comfort, reassurance to the public, decreased costs. For those who are far away from a heath center can the costs really be measured? To know that reliable safe effective health care is a call away must provide some comfort to those in isolation.

A communication system that gets the right people at the right place at the right time can make the difference between life and death. If you ever find yourself questioning if you should see a doctor, if you are managing an issue that you would like some guidance on, or need some reassurance, look for your provincial provider. They are a call away!

Have you Signed On?

Why Organ Donation? Why is it important to consider organ donation?

Recently I have been involved in a National Collaborative organized by the Canadian Council for Donation and Transplantation to increase the awareness of this issue as well as attempt to increase and amount of donations within our facility.

I have been aware of the importance of organ donation for some time now. Having worked as a nurse in a Neuro ICU setting, I have some first hand experience as a health care provider in managing the issue. I must say it is admirable to see families and friends think of others in a time of deep sorrow and pain. There appears to be a comfort felt on behalf of the family members to know that their loved one has provided such a wonderful gift to someone who is in need- beyond what anyone can truly comprehend. I do not have any personal experience regarding organ donation. I am not waiting for a transplant, nor is anyone close to me waiting. Yet I think I understand how important it is to those who are waiting.

What can I do?

I think we all know people who have benefitted from such wonderful gifts, a "true gift of life". Not many can go untouched in their lifetime without meeting someone is is waiting or who has benefitted. There are literally thousands of people waiting for transplants today. The collaborative to which I belong has made progress in increasing awareness and donors. The collaborative relies on a listserv to keep up to date in each participating organization's process, and we 'steal shamelessly' from each other. The information that is distributed through this important communication tool is saving lives! We need to educate our staff, and provide them with the tools to identify those patients who may meet the criteria to be an organ donor, to have the knowledge and skills to approach family members and loved ones in such a difficult time, and most of all to offer to those who wish to participate the chance to do so.

The most important thing that can be done right now is to talk to your family. The people around you need to know what your wishes are. I have seen those who knew what their loved one wanted if they were ever in the situation, and the stress is significantly less. Most provinces and states have central registries that maintain information related to a person's wishes for organ donation, and legislation in some areas exist in support. In New Brunswick a data base is maintained via our Medicare card. It is known when we access health care services if we wish to donate.

Ultimately you need to talk to your loved ones. Let them know what your wishes are. Organ donation is a wonderful gift. What would you give for another day, another moment, to hold your child, to watch a child graduate, to smell fresh air, many things we take for granted everyday.