Select 3 Processes From The Following List That Are Relevant

Select3 Processes From The Following List That Are Relevant Preventive

Select 3 processes from the following list that are relevant preventive Diabetic Care/Treatment in any facility you are proposing for your new or improved health care service: EMR/EHR Patient check-in and check-out Patient visits e-Prescribing Appointment scheduling Laboratory orders Referral generation and management Office discharge Billing Create 3 workflow diagrams that explain the workflow of each process that will occur in your facility. Include workflow between external systems and facilities. Cite 3 reputable references to support your assignment (e.g., trade or industry publications, government or agency websites, scholarly works, or other sources of similar quality).

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Preventive healthcare plays a vital role in managing chronic diseases like diabetes, which require ongoing management and early intervention to prevent complications. In designing a healthcare facility focused on diabetic care, selecting the right processes that support preventive care is critical. This paper identifies three relevant preventive processes: Electronic Medical Records/Electronic Health Records (EMR/EHR), appointment scheduling, and referral generation and management. It further develops workflow diagrams for each process, including interactions with external systems and facilities, supported by scholarly and industry references.

Chosen Preventive Processes

1. EMR/EHR Management

Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) and Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are foundational to modern healthcare delivery, enabling comprehensive documentation and data sharing. In diabetic care, EMRs facilitate the monitoring of blood glucose levels, medication adherence, laboratory results, and patient history (Johnson et al., 2019). They support preventive measures through alerts for overdue screenings, medication interactions, and lifestyle modifications. EMRs also enable data sharing with external labs, pharmacies, and specialty clinics, enhancing coordinated care.

2. Appointment Scheduling

Efficient appointment scheduling is essential for continuous diabetic management. It ensures patients receive timely screenings, follow-ups, and education sessions. Automated scheduling systems reduce missed appointments and optimize provider availability (Smith & Lee, 2020). Integration with patient portals allows patients to book or modify appointments remotely, improving engagement. Preventive care hinges on regular visits for screenings, vaccinations, and education—functions supported by streamlined scheduling.

3. Referral Generation and Management

Referrals to specialists such as endocrinologists or dietitians are integral to comprehensive diabetic care. Effective referral systems ensure timely specialist consultations, which are crucial for preventive interventions like glycemic control and complication screening (WHO, 2021). Digital referral generation, coupled with tracking and communication systems, facilitate seamless transitions between primary and specialty care, reducing delays and improving preventive outcomes.

Workflow Diagrams

1. EMR/EHR Workflow

The workflow begins with data collection during patient visits, including vital signs, lab results, and medication lists, entered into the EMR system. Alerts notify providers of overdue preventive services, such as foot exams or HbA1c tests. The system interacts with external laboratories for test orders and results, which are automatically integrated into the patient record. Data sharing with pharmacies for medication reconciliation and with referral systems for coordinated care ensures continuity. The EMR also supports patient engagement through portals providing educational resources and preventive reminders.

2. Appointment Scheduling Workflow

Patients access the scheduling system via an online portal or reception desk. Available slots are displayed based on provider schedules, with options for routine check-ups and preventive screenings. Once scheduled, reminders are sent via email or SMS. The system checks for conflicts and adjusts appointments as needed. On the day of the appointment, clinical staff verify patient details and update the EMR with visit information. Post-visit, follow-up appointments or additional preventive services are scheduled automatically if necessary.

3. Referral Generation and Management Workflow

When a primary provider identifies a need for specialist consultation, a referral is generated electronically within the EMR, specifying the reason and urgency. The referral is transmitted to the external specialist’s system or an integrated referral management platform. The system tracks referral status, sends reminders to patients and providers, and receives the specialist’s reports. This ensures timely follow-up on preventive interventions such as diabetic retinopathy screening or nephrology consultations. Communication between referring and receiving providers ensures coordinated care and preventive continuity.

Supporting Evidence

Research indicates that EMR systems improve preventive care delivery by increasing adherence to screening guidelines (Johnson et al., 2019). Automated appointment scheduling reduces missed visits, particularly critical for chronic disease management (Smith & Lee, 2020). Efficient referral management systems accelerate access to specialty care, resulting in better preventive outcomes (WHO, 2021). These processes, integrated within a health IT ecosystem, optimize diabetic care and reduce long-term complications.

Conclusion

Selecting and designing preventive processes like EMR/EHR management, appointment scheduling, and referral management are essential components of an effective diabetic care facility. Clear workflows that incorporate external system integration support continuous, proactive prevention strategies. Implementation of these processes promises improvements in early detection, patient engagement, and interdisciplinary care coordination, ultimately reducing the burden of diabetes-related complications.

References

  • Johnson, M., Patel, V., & Lee, K. (2019). Impact of Electronic Health Records on Chronic Disease Management. Journal of Medical Systems, 43(5), 123-131. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-019-1334-5
  • Smith, R., & Lee, D. (2020). Optimization of Appointment Scheduling Systems in Primary Care. Health Informatics Journal, 26(2), 567-578. https://doi.org/10.1177/1460458219871234
  • World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Recommendations on Digital Interventions for Health System Strengthening. WHO Press.
  • Adler-Milstein, J., et al. (2018). Electronic Health Records and Preventive Care. Annals of Family Medicine, 16(4), 299-307. https://doi.org/10.1370/afm.2217
  • Kelley, S. T., et al. (2019). Enhancing Diabetic Care Through Technology. Diabetes Care, 42(4), 641-648. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc18-2136
  • Greenhalgh, T., et al. (2017). Implementing Digital Health Interventions: A Systematic Review. BMC Medicine, 15, 80. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-017-0855-4
  • Craven, J., et al. (2020). Using Technology to Improve Chronic Disease Management. Telemedicine and e-Health, 26(4), 439-445. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2019.0164
  • Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). (2020). Guide to Implementing EHR Systems. U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services.
  • Nebeker, J., et al. (2018). Patient Portals and Preventive Care Uptake. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 20(5), e123. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.9171
  • Gandhi, T. K., et al. (2019). Improving Diabetes Care with Digital Tools. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, 21(11), 704-711. https://doi.org/10.1089/dia.2019.0221

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