Healthcare
Introduction
Data provided by research encompasses critical importance to the advancement of practicum experience at an HIV agency. The information afforded through research offers new perspectives and approach to dealing with HIV cases, particularly for students that are starting to get exposed in real-world experience working in HIV related issues. The discussion will demonstrate the understanding of the importance of data on all aspects of the practicum experience in an HIV agency in Canada. This includes highlighting agency practices in terms of implementation of data security and the importance of training in handling critical data, particularly about HIV patient’s information.
The Role of Data and Research in Practicum Experience
There is no reservation in asserting that research had revolutionized every aspect of human living from discovering new knowledge to putting such knowledge into practical application. It is the same with practicum experience in an HIV agency. Assuming practicum at an HIV agency requires comprehensive background knowledge about the disease and the specific approach to intervention designed for HIV patients. It is apparent that the disease does not only impact someone’s health, but also the psychological well being. This is the reason that specialized intervention approaches necessitates broad knowledge about HIV, which is of critical importance for students taking at an HIV agency. Furthermore, research and data enhances competency and allows the practicum student to be more engaged in the professional environment in real-world situations (Dorian, 2010). For instance, common ethical issues in HIV/AIDS healthcare environment include stigmatization of the disease where belief, systems, culture, and religion changes the way people perceive HIV (Knapp van Bogaert and Ogunbajo, 2011). However, evidence from research on service delivery practice for HIV patients enabled a more effective approach to treatment and intervention practices in practicum experience.
Data Security Implementation
Law protects patient’s health information from being disclosed to the public and HIV patient’s health data encompasses the same necessity for security. This is the reason that the HIV agency implemented data security by designating clearance level to the agency staff in order to minimize the individuals getting access to patient’s information. In addition, compliance with corresponding laws and policies on patient health records utilization and inter-agency sharing was implemented in the agency. The use of electronic health records and repository tools enable the agency to communicate data with other health agencies, which is necessary in coordinating care (Gasner et al., 2014). However, agency policies should be regularly updated in order to reinforce the security protocols associated with handling and sharing data internally and externally. This is when the importance of staff training becomes critical. The agency is not currently not implementing enhancement programs regarding external sharing of data, but it is recommended that they agency conduct alternative trainings about the policies surrounding data security particularly the health record of patients with HIV. According to Nass et al. (2009), staff training enhances the sense of responsibility in assessing data protection, which entails implementation of better security solutions. In addition, training provides the staff with the required skills in encoding and encryption techniques.
Conclusion
Data and research widens the horizon of human advancement in various disciplines. This includes allowing an effective practicum experience in the HIV agency. Furthermore, using data encompasses a need for security implementation to ensure the privacy of HIV patient health record.
References
Dorian, J. (2010). Strategies to Address the Shortage of Primary-Care Physicians In Rural Arizona. University of Arizona. Retrieved from http://crh.arizona.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/programs/JasmenDorian-StrategiesForShortageOfRuralAzPrimaryCarePhysicians.pdf
Gasner, M., Fuld, J., Drobnik, A., & Varma, J. (2014). Legal and Policy Barriers to Sharing Data Between Public Health Programs in New York City: A Case Study. Am J Public Health, 104(6), 993-997. http://dx.doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2013.301775
Knapp van Bogaert, D. & Ogunbanjo, G. (2011). Common ethical issues related to HIV/AIDS. South African Family Practice, 53(6), 605-609. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/20786204.2011.10874162
Nass, N., Levit, L., & Gostin, L. (2009). Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Health Research and the Privacy of Health Information: The HIPAA Privacy Rule (1st ed.). Washington, DC: National Academies Press.
