The popularity of healthcare consumer self-monitoring is rising due to the availability of numerous low-cost or free health and wellness apps, which do not require a prescription and are accessible via smartphone and tablet app stores like Apple and Google Play. However, the effectiveness of these apps is uncertain since many are not approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). These apps and accompanying wearable devices (Apple Watch, Fitbit, Galaxy Watch, etc.) help users track various health metrics such as sleep quality, calorie expenditure, and physical activity. Additionally, these technologies often feature social components that allow users to share and compare their health progress with others.
Discuss the implications of this trend for nursing informatics and patient care. How can nurses integrate this self-monitored data into patient care plans effectively, considering the FDA has not approved many of these apps, which might affect their reliability and value? Evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of patients using such apps and devices to monitor aspects like sleep quality, calories burned, and body activity. How do patients and healthcare providers know this information is accurate? Additionally, consider the social aspects of these technologies, such as sharing and comparing progress with others. How can nurses ensure the ethical use of this data while also encouraging patient engagement and maintaining privacy and accuracy?
Discussion Question Grading Rubric
Criteria |
Excellent 2 points |
Good 1 point |
Needs Improvement 0.5 points |
Unacceptable 0 points |
Posting |
Demonstrates synthesis of assigned material, and incorporates both assigned textbook/course content readings and evidence- based information from a scholarly article into the content of the posting. Thoughts are organized, thoughtful, analyze content, and stay on topic; pose insightful ideas that clearly connect to the topic. |
Demonstrates analysis of assigned material, and incorporates either assigned textbook/course content readings or evidence-basedinformation from a scholarlyarticle into the content of the posting. Information isaccurate, but only summarized; incorporates opinions and personalexperiences; marginal effort |
Post demonstrates comprehension of assigned material, and incorporates neither the assigned textbook/course content readings reading nor an additional current, evidence-based article for information.Information is superficialand/or off topic; no connections made between topics and literature; minimal effort |
No post |
Posting Requirements |
Initial post is a minimum of 200 words |
Initial post do not meet the minimum required word count. Post do not all contain scholarly sources. |
Neither the initial post nor the peer response posts meet theminimum required word count. Posts do not all contain scholarly sources. |
NA – due to no posts |
APA (includes grammar, punctuation, & sentence structure) |
No errors with in- text citations or references; correct grammar and punctuation demonstrated; proficient sentence structure |
1-2 errors with citations/references,grammar/punctuation, or sentence structure |
3-4 errors with citations/references,grammar/punctuation, or sentence structure |
NA – due to no posts |