This module was a good reminder of ethical issues related to information technology and how to steer clear of ethical problems. I think it is important to review things like not looking at electronic chart files that you don't have a need to look at and also maintaining privacy laws and HIPPA when using technology. It is easy when there is the world at your fingertips to look at something that you really don't need to look at, or to cut and paste something, but one needs to always be aware of the ethical issues of doing this. I think that plagiarism is a good topic to review, as it can happen to anyone, even if they did not intend for it to happen. I think that for many students who are coming back to graduate school after being out of the school setting for a while, they may forget the rules for citing sources and how to summarize something without copying it. It is always good to have a refresher course on this, but I usually "over-cite" things just because I am paranoid about it! I also think it was good to review maintaining HIPPA and patient privacy when working on computers, such things as keeping your passwords private and locking your computer if you are going to walk away. These things are simple and can be forgotten about but are important in keeping information private. As nurses, it is our job to always keep these type of things in mind, to ensure that we are making ethical choices and maintaining pt confidentiality.
Yes, you can never have enough security, privacy, and regulations reminders, it's always easy to forget or overlook these with technology. I have enjoyed reading your blogs, well done! Happy Holidays!
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