Nursing Informatics Online Articles

Linda added a couple of new resources to the textbook website at http://dlthede.net/Informatics/Informatics.html

March 30, 2011 Canadian Journal of Nursing Informatics. Edited by June Kaminski, this is a peer-reviewed online quarterly journal started in 2006. (Added March 30, 2011)
http://cjni.net/journal/?p=1094

March 30, 2011 Kaminski, June. (2011). Theory applied to informatics – Lewin’s Change Theory. Canadian Journal of Nursing Informatics (6)1. (Chapter 18)
http://cjni.net/journal/?p=1210

Online Meeting app

Recently, I shared information about join.me, a free app that allows for monitor sharing. This past weekend I learned about an app that allows for a online meetings - FuzeMe. A free trial service is available. To learn more go to http://www.fuzemeeting.com/

What is unique about this app is that it works with all mobile devices. The invitation data is imported from your device contact list. The monthly fee for the regular product makes the app less desirable for educators. At any rate, the app is worth exploring.

Whiteboard Sharing app

This weekend I attended the Southern Regional Faculty Development and Instructional Consortium (SRFDIC)meeting at Auburn University. Besides lots of networking with great friends, the presentations were fantastic. Those of us with iPads had a terrific time sharing apps. Whiteboard sharing (http://www.greengar.com/apps/whiteboard/ ) is an interesting concept. It allows two devices (iPhones and iPads) to connect via wifi to share drawings. I experimented with my iPhone and iPad this morning. I noted a few seconds time lag, but it worked flawlessly! It might be useful when designing models to convey concepts collaboratively.

Learning with Notecards app

Zen.do (http://www.zen.do/)is a new beta app that allows users to take notes and create flash cards at the same time.  This app does not work with Internet Explorer, so use the Firefox web browser. What is unique about this app is a review mode that allows users to score their grasp of material. Users create a login and password to use the service. Wow!! This app will be so helpful to learners! View the vido below to learn more. 

Zinc to Treat Common Cold

Read an interesting review about using zinc to treat the common cold at http://pubget.com/paper/21328251.  It would be wonderful to have a means to prevent and/or reduce the symptoms of the annoying illness. 

Backing Up and Recovering Computer Data

Microsoft has an excellent article about backing up and recovering computer data at http://www.microsoft.com/athome/setup/backupdata.aspx.  Since Wayne and I  have had two laptops to "die" within the past couple of months, having a backup has particular importance.  I have the fourth edition of the textbook backed up in four places.

It is important to understand what files or folders that need to be backed up.  For example, while it may be common sense to back up My Documents or Documents folder, what about email or other files?  I use Respondus and StudyMate Author.  The files that I create with those two programs are stored in the Programs folder, not the Documents folder.  Likewise, email is not stored in the Documents folder.  The truth to having an effective back up is like the saying - "the Devil is in the details." 

Students and Technology Use

Have spent many hours analyzing research data this week.  Our findings show marked similarities with the ECAR study (http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ERS1006/RS/ERS1006W.pdf).  The study is a worthwhile read for faculty in higher education. 

Microsoft Office 2010

I upgraded to Microsoft Office 2010 on my Windows computers the past couple of weeks.  Users are prompted to open a website with resources to learn the new features.  As an example, there is a video showing the new slicer and sparklines featured in Excel and the ability to embed the code in a website as noted below. There will be additional information about Office 2010 in the 4th edition of our Nursing and Informatics textbook.

Popplet

Popplet (http://popplet.com/)%20is a concept mapping app available for the personal computer (PC) and iPad.  It really is amazingly simple to use.  It allows you to use color, text, drawing, images, and video into linked concepts or popplets.  After you have created the concept map you can share it with others.  The PC version allows you to copy and embed code or share using email.  The iPad version allows you to share the concept map as a PDF (have to purchase the full version of the app) or email the file as a jpg image.

It could be used to create a concept map related to patient care.  I especially like the ability to incorporate media so easily!

Noun Project - Access to Symbols & Icons

The Noun Project (http://www.thenounproject.com/) provides free (no fee) access to symbols & icons using the Creative Commons license. You can search by category:

• Animals
• Food & Beverage
• Healthcare & Wellness
• People
• Safety & Warnings
• Science & Math
• Sports & Recreation
• Tech & Communication
• Transportation
• Travel & Wayfinding
• Weather & Nature

The site works with Safari, Opera, Chrome, but not Internet Explorer. It is a site worth exploring. 

Humanitarian Efforts in the Light of Crisis

My thoughts and prayers go to all of the people affected by the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear plant malfunctions in Japan!   I am impressed with the humanitarian responses by Google and Skype.  Google has a crisis response website at http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html  It includes amazing resources ranging from how to make a donation, how to find people, and the planned blackout times.  Skype (http://www.skype.com/) is offering free wifi access for Japan using Skype Access.  While it will take years for the areas that were hardest hit to recover, hopefully, the acts of kindness will help heal some of the pain and suffering of individuals who were impacted from the tragedy.

Wikis for Educational Purposes

Wikis continue to be popular in the educational setting.  A couple of weeks ago I received an email noting that Wikispaces is now available for higher education without advertising.  Of course, Wikispaces has had that feature for K-12 for a long time.  I signed up and received approval about 24 hours later. 
There are other wiki alternatives available.  This morning I found PBWorks.  It is available free (just one site) for non-commercial uses.  It allows up to 100 users with 2 GB storage.  I did not have to apply for use in higher education.  It looks like a great alternative for the educational setting. 

Wordle and Cloud Tags

I am doing a review of papers for a conference and ran across a new app that allows the user to create tags - Wordle (http://www.wordle.net/).  What I especially like is that the site allows the user to "own" the image that is created with the words.  The app is worth exploring.

PowerPoint 2010

I have written about PowerPoint 2010, but just got it installed on my work computers this past week.  I am looking forward to using the video editing features that are built into the program.  I have been slowly learning new video skills to use in planning teaching/learning lessons.  Although I don't use PowerPoint often, it can be effective.  To learn more, go to http://blogs.office.com/b/microsoft-powerpoint/archive/2011/03/03/ready-to-test-your-hollywood-skills-create-impressive-video-presentations-in-powerpoint-video.aspx

Markle Foundation - HIT Report

The Markly Foundation released a report comparing the views on health information technology by physicians and patients.  To view the 9 page report click here

Reducing Catheter Associated Bloodstream Infections

The CDC Vital Signs (http://www.cdc.gov/VitalSigns/HAI/index.htmlpublication ) noted that there was a 58% reduction in bloodstream associated catheter infections from 2001-2009. A detailed report of the progress is available from MMWR at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6008a4.htm?s_cid=mm6008a4_w

Students in the NCLEX prep class read discussed several articles pertinent to care this past week.  One of the articles was "Walk the Walk to Reduce Catheter-Related BloodStream Infections" in The American Nurse (http://www.nursingworld.org/mods/mod492/Bloodstream-Infections.pdf ).  The article detailed the evidence-based procedure for cleansing the port of a central line.  Some of the students noted that the procedure was followed in clinical sites where they were working, but not all.  It all relates back to standards of care issues that we discuss in the Legal and Ethical Nursing class.  As professional nurses, we must stay current with literature and not blindly follow hospital procedures.  Differences should be reported to hospital management. Our patients' lives depend upon us.