Potential Interview Questions For The CIO Or Clinical Inform

Potential Interview Questions For The Cio Or Clinical Informaticistatt

Potential Interview Questions for the CIO or Clinical Informaticist attached is a list of potential questions for your CIO interview. Select 5 or 6 questions from this list for your interview. Select questions that interest you and are pertinent to the position of the person you are interviewing. Role of the Individual You Are Interviewing · What are the three most important responsibilities of your position? · What are your day-to-day responsibilities? · What challenges do you face in meeting your responsibilities? · What do you feel are essential skills and qualities that a CIO must possess? · What preparation and degrees does an individual need to be successful in your position? · How did you decide to focus on a career in IT? · How long have you been in your position and have the priorities of the position changed over time? · What area interests you most: application, data or infrastructure? · What are the most important projects that you and your team are planning or working on now? · How do you keep your staff current when technology is constantly changing? · How do you motivate your staff in meeting the IT priorities? Technology/Decision making/Implementation · How does the strategic plan for IT fit into the organization’s overall strategic plan? Was IT involved in developing the organization’s strategic plan? · What are your top three priority projects? · How do you measure the value of IT performance in the system? · What are your biggest challenges in moving toward a completely electronic record? · How close is the organization to becoming a fully electronic clinical environment? · What are your plans for future enhancements of current systems or implementation of new systems? · What are the top three obstacles/hurdles in implementing a new technology in your institution? · What approach do you take when implementing a new technology? Do you implement system-wide or in pilot areas? · What unexpected issues have you encountered when implementing a new system? · They say hindsight is 20/20.... is there anything you would have executed differently or not at all? · How do you maintain an EHR over time? What needs to be accomplished during a “down time”? Financial · What percentage of the organization’s budget is dedicated for IT, what does it include (equipment, training), and is it sufficient? · What percentage of your current IT spending is for maintenance versus growth and transformation activities? · How do you go about making cost decisions related to technology? · How large is your staff? How are they trained? · Has the current economy had an effect on your department? · Is your organization participating in Meaningful Use and why or why not? (Hospitals and ambulatory practices only) · Will your organization be able to meet the Meaningful Use 2015 requirements? Safety/Security · What measures are taken to keep patient information safe, secure and intact? Who is responsible for this task? · Have you seen an increase in requests for electronic evidence in recent years? · How is disaster planning accomplished? · What are the biggest security threats and HIPAA breaches you face and how do you handle them? · How do you deactivate an employee’s access? · How do you track unauthorized users? · How do you dispose of outdated equipment? Patient Focus · Do your patients have electronic access to their medical records? · From your perspective, what impact does an electronic health record have on patient care? · Will technology be used for patient education? · Will social media be used to reach out to patients? Clinician Involvement in IT · What is the role of the nursing administrator and frontline nurses in creating and implementing new technologies? · How do you include clinicians, i.e. nurses, physicians and others, when making decisions about changes or upgrades to your current system? · What expanded opportunities do you personally see for nursing in technology? · How do you maintain contact and communication with clinical department heads? 1 C4-1 CASE STUDY 4 GLOBAL BROADBAND ACCESS All historical accounts agree that the Internet was birthed in the United States. If this is true, does the U.S. continue to be the world foremost user of the network that it created? The answer to this question depends on how you look at the numbers. According to the OECD (Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development), the U.S. continues to be one of the world frontrunners in both fixed and mobile broadband subscriptions for Internet access [OECD11]. However, when viewed on a per capita or population percentage basis, there is considerable evidence that the average citizen in many of other highly developed nations around the world is more likely than the average American to have broadband access to the Internet. Although more than two-thirds of U.S. households have broadband Internet access, America’s broadband penetration rate lags that for many other countries [SALW12]. Recent research indicates that Bulgaria has the highest level of broadband adoption; it has an adoption rate of 96 percent. South Korea leads the world in average broadband connection speeds (16.7 Mbps). Although 81% of the broadband connections in the U.S. had connection speeds of 2 Mbps or more, 35 other countries had higher percentages in 2011. The U.S. is 13th place worldwide in average broadband connection speeds [MALI12]. C4-2 On a per capita basis, as of January 2012, European nations led the world in both fixed and mobile broadband adoption. At that time, twenty-six of every hundred citizens (26%) in European Union (EU) nations had fixed broadband connections while 54 of every 100 residents had a mobile broadband connection [WEBS12]. The Netherlands led all countries worldwide with 38.1 fixed broadband subscribers per 100 inhabitants. Switzerland and Denmark are not behind. South Korea led Asian nations in fixed broadband connections with a 35.7% penetration rate. The U.S. was 16th with a 27.6% fixed broadband penetration rate. Mobile access to the Web continues to grow. At the beginning of 2012, there were over 5.9 billion mobile subscribers worldwide [MOBI12]. Of these, 1.2 billion were active users of mobile broadband services, according to a 2011 survey performed on behalf of the (ITU) International Telecommunications Union [WEBS12]. At that time, 90% of the world's population had access to second generation (2G) broadband, while 45% could access third generation (3G) services. In the U.S., there were more than 203 million mobile broadband users in 2011 [OECD11]. India and China have the fastest growing populations of mobile users, but South Korea and Japan have the highest percentages of mobile broadband users with respective penetration rates of 91% and 88% [MOBI12]. According to the OECD, the U.S. ranks seventh in mobile broadband penetration with a rate of nearly 66% [OECD11]. In terms of broadband access speeds, cities in South Korea and Japan dominate other population centers around the world. Although 23 U.S. cities made it into the global top 100 list for broadband access speeds in 2011, none made the top 10 [MALI12]. Citizens in the Romanian city of Timișoara enjoyed the highest peak broadband access speeds at 41.5 Mbps. C4-3 What do the Numbers Tell Us? So what do all of these facts and figures tell us about broadband access in the U.S.? Well, it is clear that we continue to be one of the global leaders in broadband Internet connections. However, it is also apparent that citizens in other countries can lay claim to being more “connected” to the Internet than Americans, at least in terms of the percentage of the population with broadband connections and average connection speeds. In terms of social media use, however, the U.S. is still at or near the top [HUFF12]. Many reasons have been advanced for why multiple countries can claim to be more “wired” and Internet-centric than the U.S. For example, in terms of geographic size, countries like Japan, Singapore, and South Korea have much smaller footprints than the U.S. for building out fiber optic and mobile broadband infrastructure. The challenge in bringing this infrastructure to the comparable percentages of the population in the U.S. is far greater. Government supported national infrastructure initiatives have also contributed to greater broadband pervasiveness in numerous countries. These have enabled Japan, South Korea, and multiple EU nations to roll out broadband infrastructure to most, or all, corners of their countries. Similar initiatives have been proposed to bring broadband to the majority of citizens in the U.S., including those in rural areas, but the legislation needed to make this happen has languished in Washington, D.C. For mobile broadband, those countries with the highest penetration rates typically have standardized on a single multiple access protocol. The U.S., on the other hand, seems content to let the market sort out which access protocol will dominate. As a result, no single path forward for either 3G or 4G mobile broadband access has been adopted and this helps explain why there are pockets of GSM, CDMA, TDMA, OFDM, and LTE within the mobile broadband marketplace in the U.S. C4-4 Why Aren’t U.S. Percentages Higher? Multiple additional explanations have been provided for why American households not adopting broadband are summarized in Table C5.1. For some households, affordability is the most important reason for not having broadband Internet access. Both the cost of purchasing an acceptably powerful computer and the recurring monthly subscription Internet access costs are frequently mentioned as being important deterrents within households for which affordability is an issue. The most frequently reported reason for not adopting broadband is the perception that broadband is not needed [SALW12]. The U.S. has a significant percentage of its citizens who see little need and/or have little interest in having high-speed Internet access. Such perceptions persist among nearly 30% of the households in the U. S. The widespread nature of such thinking has the potential to undermine government initiatives to provide government subsidies for building out broadband networks across the U.S. If potential subscribers do not see a benefit in having broadband connections to the Internet, why should the government invest money to make broadband networks accessible to them? Table C5.1 Major Reasons for no Broadband in U.S. Households • Lack of need or interest • Affordability • Lack of adequate computer • Unavailability of broadband Internet service C4-5 In the U.S., broadband Internet adoption and use varies across demographic and geographic groups. Lower income families, people with less education, those with disabilities, Blacks, Hispanics, and rural residents generally lag U.S. averages for both broadband adoption and computer use. Households with children in school, however, tend to have higher broadband adoption and computer use rates than other households. Internet access is a central focus of “digital divide” concerns within the U.S. and across nations around the world. The populations that are most likely to benefit most from Internet access are those that are least likely to have it. The potential for digital “have not’s” to be left behind economically still persists [ZICK12]. Broadband adoption rates around the world suggest that a compelling case can be made that broadband can and does enhance people’s lives. However, these have to be communicated to American households without broadband in a convincing manner. In the U.S., half of the households without broadband access express very little interest in getting it. These Americans don’t go online because they do not perceive the Internet as relevant to them [ZICK12]. Needless, to say, as long as such attitudes exist, the U.S. will have a hard time catching up with the broadband adoption and penetration rates that have been experienced by other countries around the world. Discussion Points 1. Do some Internet research on national infrastructure initiatives that have contributed to expanded broadband infrastructure and access in countries around the world. Identify several countries that have benefitted from national broadband infrastructure initiatives and briefly summarize the programs that they implemented. 2. Do some Internet research to on the current status of the National Broadband Plan and other government-backed broadband access expansion programs in the U.S. Briefly summarize the content of C4-6 pending or recently passed legislation or executive initiatives to bring broadband Internet access to more U.S. citizens. 3. Do some Internet research on the “digital divide” within the U.S. Summarize which segments of the population are most at risk for being digital “have nots”. Identify efforts being made to address the digital divide within the U.S. 4. Do some research related to identify the countries that have the lowest broadband and Internet access rates. What patterns can be observed across these countries? How can these low rates be explained. 5. Do some Internet research on the benefits associated with high broadband access connections? What do users like most about higher connection speeds and how does it improve their lives?

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The evolution and distribution of broadband Internet access worldwide reflect significant technological, economic, and policy-driven differences among nations. While the United States was instrumental in pioneering the Internet, its current standing in global broadband access highlights the complexities of infrastructure deployment, socioeconomic factors, and national strategies. Analyzing these aspects reveals both the U.S.'s strengths and challenges in maintaining and expanding its broadband connectivity, alongside lessons from other countries that have fostered widespread digital inclusion.

Global Broadband Infrastructure Initiatives

Several countries have embarked on ambitious national broadband infrastructure initiatives to enhance internet access. South Korea’s “High-Speed Internet for All” program launched in 2002 exemplifies strategic government involvement, aiming to provide high-speed broadband nationwide through public-private partnerships. Similarly, Japan’s "e-Japan Strategy" initiated in 2001 prioritized nationwide broadband coverage, focusing on fiber optic deployment and rural access, supported by significant government subsidies. The European Union’s Digital Agenda for Europe has aimed at creating a seamless digital single market, facilitating infrastructural investments across member states, including projects to improve broadband coverage in less-connected rural areas (European Commission, 2010). Canada’s Connected Canada plan, launched in 2014, directs investments to extend broadband to remote and indigenous communities, emphasizing infrastructural expansion and capacity building (Government of Canada, 2014). These initiatives underscore the importance of coordinated policy, investment, and technological innovation in bridging connectivity gaps.

U.S. Broadband Policy and Progress

The United States’ efforts to expand broadband access are embodied in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) National Broadband Plan, released in 2010, which aimed to bring affordable high-speed internet to all Americans by 2020. The plan prioritized investments in rural areas and emphasized leveraging spectrum, infrastructure grants, and public-private partnerships. Recent legislative efforts include the Broadband Infrastructure program authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, allocating billions for expanding broadband to underserved regions (FCC, 2021). Despite these initiatives, progress has been uneven, hindered by regulatory, geographic, and socioeconomic obstacles. Some strategies involve subsidized programs targeting low-income households, such as the FCC's Lifeline program, and efforts to streamline permitting processes for infrastructure deployment (FCC, 2022). However, challenges persist, particularly in rural and tribal areas where geographic expansiveness and lack of infrastructure hamper rapid deployment.

The Digital Divide in the United States

The digital divide remains a significant barrier to equitable internet access within the U.S., with disparities across income, race, education, and geography. Data indicates that lower-income households, racial minorities such as African Americans and Hispanics, rural residents, and those with less education are more likely to be “digital have nots” (Zickhur & Smith, 2012). These groups often lack affordable access, suitable devices, or digital literacy skills. Efforts to address these disparities include federal programs like Lifeline and the Emergency Broadband Benefit, intended to subsidize costs for eligible households (FCC, 2021). State-level initiatives and local community programs also work toward expanding infrastructure, providing devices, and fostering digital literacy. Nevertheless, gaps persist, especially in rural and tribal communities where infrastructure investment is insufficient.

Low Internet Access Countries and Underlying Patterns

Countries with the lowest broadband access rates tend to share certain characteristics, such as economic limitations, geographic vastness, political instability, or lack of infrastructure development. Nations in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South Asia, such as Malawi, Mali, and Nepal, exhibit low penetration rates often below 10%. These low access levels can be attributed to factors including poverty, low literacy levels, limited infrastructure, and insufficient government investment (ITU, 2020). Geographically dispersed rural populations and political unrest further complicate infrastructural deployment, creating persistent digital divides within these nations. The pattern underscores the critical relation between economic development, infrastructure investment, and technological capacity.

Benefits of High Broadband Access

High broadband connection speeds yield multifaceted benefits, including enhanced productivity, better access to information, and improved quality of life. Users appreciate faster streaming, quicker downloads, and more reliable connections, fostering a more efficient digital environment for work, education, and entertainment (OECD, 2017). For businesses, high-speed internet facilitates e-commerce, remote collaboration, and innovation. For consumers, it enables seamless access to telehealth, online education, and digital social interactions. The COVID-19 pandemic accentuated these advantages, demonstrating that regions with better broadband infrastructure experience less disruption during crises (ITU, 2020). Overall, higher connection speeds directly correlate with socioeconomic benefits, bridging gaps and fostering inclusive digital economies.

Conclusion

The landscape of global broadband access continues to evolve, driven by policy initiatives, technological advancements, and socioeconomic factors. While the U.S. leads in social media engagement and certain digital uses, its infrastructure development lags behind other developed nations in terms of percentage of population connected and average speeds. Addressing the digital divide and investing in comprehensive infrastructure are paramount for achieving equitable access. Learning from international successes and challenges can inform better strategies to ensure broadband connectivity supports economic growth, innovation, and social inclusion in the U.S. and worldwide.

References

• European Commission. (2010). A Digital Agenda for Europe. European Union. https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/digital-agenda-europe
• FCC. (2021). The National Broadband Plan. Federal Communications Commission. https://www.fcc.gov/national-broadband-plan
• FCC. (2022). Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Broadband Deployment. Federal Communications Commission. https://www.fcc.gov/bipartisan-infrastructure-law
• Government of Canada. (2014). Connected Canada Initiative. https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/139.nsf/eng/home
• ITU. (2020). Measuring Digital Development: Facts and Figures 2020. International Telecommunication Union. https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Statistics/Pages/facts/default.aspx
• Mali, A. (2012). Global Broadband Speeds and Adoption. Gigaom. https://gigaom.com/2012/02/27/global-broadband-speeds-adoption/
• OECD. (201