Answer

Discussion One

Completing research project is one of the most important factor of practicing the knowledge gained in class in order to resolve real world problems. It is in this context that research project should have a suitable topic whose impact will be felt by most people since the research topic will solve certain issues or provide important information about specific issues in the society. In order to come out with an important topic, I have and will rely on the seven basic steps of research that were covered in HIM 420. Notably, the seven stages of performance improvement include identification of an improvement opportunity, research and definition performance expectations, designing and redesigning education, implementation process, measuring performance, documenting and communicating findings, and analyzing and comparing internal/external data. I relied on the first step to locate a suitable topic which shall be of important to the community and healthcare as a whole.

The second step of quality improvement begins once an opportunity for quality improvement has been identified.  Like Step 1 – Identify, Step 2 will vary based upon the size and complexity of the process improvement effort.  Analysis is performed to better understand the process that needs to be improved or the system in which the improvement effort will be based. To achieve these objectives, the analysis stage involves the use of data.  Some of the data may already exist, or new data can be collected.  It is in this stage where I had to look for information about the chosen topic. Information can be obtained from secondary as well as primary sources. The sources provided detailed information about my research topic and also previous studies which had been conducted on the topic. Once desired performance is described to everyone’s satisfaction, current levels of performance are assessed using the same indicators developed to describe desired performance.

Reference

McDavid, J. C., Huse, I., & Hawthorn, L. R. (2018). Program evaluation and performance measurement: An introduction to practice. Sage Publications.

Discussion Two

Topic: Wound Infection and the Dangers of Sepsis

Camacho-Gonzalez A, et al. (2013). Neonatal infectious diseases: evaluation of neonatal sepsis. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 60(2): 367–89. doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2012.12.003

According to the author in the majority of the wounds, there exist colonies of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms. The authors highlight that these organisms originate from the mucosal surfaces and their role in the healing process are seriously debatable. Some sections of experts claim that the concentration of the microbes is significant in the wound restorative process. However, other experts argue that the microbial concentration is a minor issue and that other influences such as the immunity of the patient, microbial synergy and quality of tissues weigh more in determining the probability of infection. Primarily, the function of the skin is to regulate the microbial population and prevent them from accessing the inner tissues. Therefore, proper wound coverage as well as treatment, helps prevent damage from microbial activity.

Deutschman, C.S & Tracey, K. (2014). Sepsis: current dogma and new perspectives. Immunity. 40 (4): 463–75. doi:10.1016/j.immuni.2014.04.001

According to the author, the frequency of occurrence of Sepsis due to improper wound management cannot be directly defined since other variables affect the probability of occurrence. These variables include the age of the patient, levels of stress, nutritional state of a person, the presence of other diseases that weaken the immunity such as diabetes, alcoholism and smoking addictions and obesity.

Velnar, T., Bailey, T., & Smrkolj, V. (2009). The wound healing process: an overview of the cellular and molecular mechanisms. Journal of International Medical Research, 37(5): 1528-1542.

The article asserts that Wounds if not well catered to have the capacity of advancing into being sepsis and thus creating a life threatening situation depending on their location of the body. Improper care has the capacity of rendering a small issue to accelerate to being a serious matter. According to studies done by Sommer et al. (2013), the nature of the development of septic wounds is that they are capable of rendering a patient to even be immobile and incapacitated due to the nature of the septic wound. Improper care ideally advances the need for surgery in order for a patient to be relieved of the pain that primarily emanates from the effects of septic wounds.

Sommer, K. et al (2013). Delayed wound repair in sepsis is associate with reduced local pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. . PLoS ONE 8(9): e73992. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0073992

According to author there is evidence suggesting that the presence of a cause and effect relation between improper wound management and the development of Sepsis. According to the journal of surgical research, several complications are bound to arise from the improper management of the wound. One of the most dangerous complications is the manifestation of Sepsis. Sepsis inflammation can cause a widespread effect on the body that damages other organs and prolongs wound healing process. Wound management involves a wide range of simple clinical measures to protect, cover and administration of medicine. However, neglect of infection is most likely to worsen the situation to allow for the spread of the wound infection and even become deadly.

References

Camacho-Gonzalez A, et al. (2013). Neonatal infectious diseases: evaluation of neonatal sepsis. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 60(2): 367–89. doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2012.12.003

Deutschman, C.S & Tracey, K. (2014). Sepsis: current dogma and new perspectives. Immunity. 40 (4): 463–75. doi:10.1016/j.immuni.2014.04.001

Sommer, K. et al (2013). Delayed wound repair in sepsis is associate with reduced local pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. . PLoS ONE 8(9): e73992. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0073992

Velnar, T., Bailey, T., & Smrkolj, V. (2009). The wound healing process: an overview of the cellular and molecular mechanisms. Journal of International Medical Research, 37(5): 1528-1542.