Eller Healthcare Career Panel - Jan 27

Hello All,

A Healthcare Career Panel event is being held this Friday, January 27th from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM. There will be two 45-minute sessions with four panelists in each session. Do set a reminder on your calendar if you are interested in a career in the Healthcare space. You never know, one of us might be a part of the solution for 'The Cost Conundrum'. 😄

- Ben.

Assignment 2: Research Proposal Ideas

According to the research assignment posted in Week 2 and on Assignments, start by posting your research proposal ideas on the blog first.  Try to be somewhat focused.  For example, it will be hard to write short 3-5 page research paper on mobile health, but if there is a particular focus on mobile health (e.g., nutrition, fitness), then that would be better.

You can see the research proposal (and links for ideas) on D2L/Assignments or here:  https://d2l.arizona.edu/content/enforced/719781-469-2184-1MIS406506001/HIT%20Research%20paper.pdf

You can post your own research idea(s) with a title and links (by signing in and clicking New Post), or comment below.

I provided many links to research ideas, but maybe this jpg of other research ideas might help.  It's just a list to get you thinking.  I didn't include everything; you can certainly use your own ideas.

Asking the Tough Moral Questions

The readings for today ask tough moral questions, and there are many other useful links and readings that do the same.  I'll start with some of these questions.  We can respond in class, and perhaps more fully on the blog.   (I also wanted to give you an idea of how I might ask questions at the beginning of class - based on the readings - and also on your thoughts about the topic.)   This is a class that will ask more tough questions than we can answer, but by learning together, we will come to understand these issues with more knowledge and therefore have a better discussion with others.

In the prologue to Reid's book, he introduces the reader to Nikki White.  "Nikki didn't die of lupus; it was a lack of access to healthcare that killed Nikki."   Not everyone is covered, and in rural communities, where health insurance companies have all left, hospitals have closed.  No insurance; no emergency rooms, no hospitals.   Healthcare has become a commodity for those who can afford it, but even they complain of the costs they pay out of pocket.

The primary issue is a moral one: Should we guarantee medical treatment to everyone who needs it?

Here are some related questions to consider:

1. Do we have a moral obligation to provide healthcare to everyone as needed or is healthcare a commodity that should be subject to the same marketplace influences as other commodities?

2. Should employers be required by law to offer health insurance to employees?

3. Should everyone be required to have health insurance much as drivers are required to have auto insurance?

Welcome to Our Class Blog on Healthcare IS

The intent of the blog is to create a more dynamic dialogue about class topics, research proposals, posts, and comments to them.   Students will soon create their own blogs.

Hospitals, businesses, newspapers, digital magazines, and most websites use all use blogging technology. Getting feedback from readers in a sustained conversation without limiting the amount of text, with nested replies, likes and dislikes, and links, is one of the basic ways we read online.

Healthcare Organizations Have Blogs: The widespread use of blogging technology alone is reason enough to consider the implications for connecting with others in the healthcare field, including clinicians, patients, journalists and investigators, and many other members of the healthcare community.

Read Fresh and Thought-Provoking Material: The advantage to reading blogs is that you don't have to limit your reading to current news and blog entries that everyone else is reading. Attempt to find unexpected inspiration and new ways of viewing topics from alternative sources.

Blogs Don’t Need to be Balanced: Blogs are useful in conveying an opinion. Reader comments can provide alternative points of view and perhaps build a case for the opposing set of arguments. This is a good way to create a discussion online. If an entry is meant to influence readers, provide them with the best arguments for your opinion. This will convey passion. Balance does not mean provocative, but in its best form solicits new ideas.


QUESTIONS:  What is the difference between Facebook, Twitter, other social media, where you can reply or comment, and a blog?  Do you read blogs?  If so, which ones?