The government has created a committee to investigate the potential of implanting a radio-frequency implantable device (RFID or commonly known as a “chip”) in every U.S. citizen OR on the use of the ‘Smartcard’ (i.e. card that incorporates an individual’s medical care record). In order to reduce the issues surrounding patient safety including patient identification, and maintenance of a complete and accurate history of disease processes and medications, this RFID or ‘Smartcard’ will contain all the individual’s medical information.

QUESTION

Scenario:
The government has created a committee to investigate the potential of implanting a radio-frequency
implantable device (RFID or commonly known as a “chip”) in every U.S. citizen OR on the use of the
‘Smartcard’ (i.e. card that incorporates an individual’s medical care record). In order to reduce the issues
surrounding patient safety including patient identification, and maintenance of a complete and accurate
history of disease processes and medications, this RFID or ‘Smartcard’ will contain all the individual’s
medical information.
When the patient arrives at a point-of-care, the RFID or the ‘Smartcard’ is scanned, and all the
information is uploaded into the provider Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. Upon discharge,
information is then downloaded back to the RFID or the ‘Smartcard’.
You have been invited as a nursing representative for your state to provide a report to the committee
regarding the use of the RFID or the ‘Smartcard’. Choose one of these technologies and complete the
following information to produce your report.
Instructions:
For this assignment, please draft a paper to include the following information:
Introduction:
1. Create and introduction paragraph describing the topic (RFID or Smartcard), explain what will be
addressed in the paper, and evaluate the pros and cons of using implantable devices or the
Smartcard.
a. Create an introduction: Introduce the topic (RFID or Smartcard)
b. Evaluate the Pros and Cons:
i. Analyze the pros and cons of the use of the implanted RFID or the ‘Smartcard’. To assist
you in analysis, explore the US Food and Drug Administration Guidance Document
(https://www.fda.gov/RadiationEmittingProducts/RadiationSafety/ElectromagneticCompatibilityEMC/ucm116647.htm )
and investigate other sources on the internet or in the current literature. There are
companies currently producing “chips.” Read marketing information found online for
companies producing “chips” for additional background information.
ii. Explain how you use smart devices in your personal life. How has this technology been
incorporated in society?
2. Assess the Ethical, Legal and Social Implications:
a. What are the potential legal, ethical, and social implications, which should be considered if
implementing and using RFID or the ‘Smartcard’ if it is instituted, in your practice setting?
b. Identify populations who might greatly benefit from the use of the RFID or the ‘Smartcard’? (e.g.
people with Alzheimer’s, children, those with cognitive disabilities, etc.).
c. Refer to the scenario above. How would the redundancy of information be addressed for the
RFID or the ‘Smartcard’?
3. Evaluate the Scenario and Discuss a Policy to Incorporate
a. Identify how your organization could incorporate the use of either of these technologies (RFIDs
or other smart devices, such as Smart phone) in the practice setting?
b. Discuss the logistics. How would a healthcare provider access the information from the patient’s
RFID or the ‘Smartcard’?
c. In thinking of the scenario above, identify the extent that patients can access their own
information? Can the user access the exact same information as the healthcare provider?
d. What types of policies might be needed at your healthcare facility to safeguard patients who have
an implanted RFID or the ‘Smartcard’?
4. Conclusion and Recommendation
a. Draft a conclusion statement which summarizes a possible recommendation for using RFID or
Smartcard devices or explain why you feel further consideration of use is not warranted.
5. Grammar and APA Format
a. Present your analysis in a scholarly, 4-6 page, APA-formatted paper with the following elements:
i. Title Page (not included in page count)
ii. Citations throughout
iii. Introduction – Catch the reader’s attention with interesting facts and supporting sources.
iv. Body of analysis:
• Present the pros and cons about the RFID or the ‘smart card.’ Think globally and
historically.
• Identify the ethical, legal, and social implications of RFID or the ‘Smartcard’ use.
• Discuss policies to incorporate at your facility to safeguard patients with RFIDs or the
‘Smartcard.’
v. Conclusion and Recommendation – Summarize the analysis and offer a recommendation.
Is the RFID or the ‘Smartcard’ a plausible method for the future of health care
interoperability and portability of health information?
vi. Reference Page (not included in page count)

ANSWER

 Assessing the Use of RFID or Smartcards for Patient Medical Information: A Nursing Perspective

Introduction

The government committee has invited me, as a nursing representative for my state, to provide a report on the potential use of radio-frequency implantable devices (RFID) or Smartcards for managing individuals’ medical information. This report aims to evaluate the pros and cons of these technologies, assess the ethical, legal, and social implications, and discuss policies for incorporating them in healthcare settings.

 Evaluation of Pros and Cons

RFID and Smartcards offer potential benefits and drawbacks for managing patient medical information. The pros include improved patient safety through accurate identification and complete medical history access, streamlined information management, and enhanced continuity of care. However, there are cons to consider, such as privacy and security concerns, the need for a robust technological infrastructure, and patient acceptance.

In analyzing the pros and cons, it is important to review resources like the US Food and Drug Administration Guidance Document and explore marketing information from companies producing these devices to gain a comprehensive understanding of their capabilities and limitations. Additionally, examining personal experiences with smart devices in daily life can provide insights into the integration of similar technologies in society.

 Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications

Implementing RFID or Smartcards in healthcare raises ethical, legal, and social considerations. Privacy and security of patient data must be safeguarded to maintain confidentiality. Potential legal implications may arise in terms of data ownership, consent, and liability. From a social perspective, it is essential to consider the impact on vulnerable populations, such as those with cognitive disabilities, children, or individuals with specific medical conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

In the given scenario, addressing redundancy of information is crucial. This can be achieved through careful synchronization between the RFID or Smartcard and the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, ensuring that updated information is accurately reflected in both sources.

Policy Implementation and Logistics

To incorporate RFID or Smartcards in a healthcare practice setting, organizations need to develop clear policies and protocols. Healthcare providers would access patient information from the RFID or Smartcard by scanning the device and uploading the data to the EHR system. In terms of patient access, it is important to determine the extent to which individuals can view their own information and whether they have the same level of access as healthcare providers.

At my healthcare organization, we could consider implementing RFID or Smartcards by establishing guidelines for device usage, data management, and staff training. Additionally, policies should address patient consent, data security measures, and procedures for handling lost or damaged cards.

Conclusion

The use of RFID or Smartcards for patient medical information has both benefits and challenges. Evaluating the pros and cons, considering ethical and legal implications, and developing comprehensive policies are crucial steps in successful implementation. It is essential to prioritize patient privacy, security, and autonomy while striving to enhance patient safety and information management. By carefully navigating these considerations, healthcare organizations can harness the potential of RFID or Smartcards to improve patient care and outcomes.

Assess the Ethical, Legal and Social Implications

When implementing and using RFID or the ‘Smartcard,’ several ethical, legal, and social implications should be considered. Ethically, issues of privacy, consent, and patient autonomy arise. Legal implications include compliance with data protection laws and regulations. Socially, concerns regarding trust in the technology, potential discrimination, and unequal access to healthcare services may arise.

Certain populations stand to benefit greatly from the use of RFID or Smartcards. Examples include individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, children, individuals with cognitive disabilities, and those with complex medical histories. These technologies can facilitate accurate and efficient information retrieval, ensuring appropriate care for vulnerable populations.

In the given scenario, redundancy of information can be addressed by establishing secure data synchronization protocols between the RFID or Smartcard and the EHR system. Regular updates and data consistency checks can minimize the risk of inconsistent or outdated information.

 Evaluate the Scenario and Discuss a Policy to Incorporate

To incorporate the use of RFID or Smartcards in the practice setting, my organization could develop a comprehensive policy outlining the purpose, scope, and guidelines for using these technologies. The policy should address patient consent, data security measures, responsibilities of healthcare providers, and procedures for device management and maintenance.

Logistically, healthcare providers would require secure access to RFID or Smartcard readers integrated with the EHR system. Adequate training and support should be provided to ensure smooth adoption and usage of the technology.

Patients should have access to their own information, allowing them to view their medical records and participate in their healthcare decisions. However, the extent of access may vary depending on privacy regulations and specific organizational policies. Patients may not have the same level of access as healthcare providers, as certain sensitive information may be restricted for security reasons.

Additional policies may be needed to address issues such as data retention, data sharing with other healthcare providers, patient rights, and protection against unauthorized access or misuse of information.

In conclusion, the use of RFID or Smartcards for managing patient medical information has significant implications for patient safety and data management. By evaluating the pros and cons, addressing ethical and legal considerations, and establishing clear policies, healthcare organizations can effectively incorporate these technologies, ensuring improved patient care while maintaining privacy and security standards.