Module 6

I generally like on-line courses because they are self paced. I sometimes have a problem with structuring my schedule between, work/school/family and appreciate the flexibility of doing the assignments in between my other responsibilities. I do, however, tend to put off assignments when the due date is scheduled 1-2 months out. This procrastination is one of the downfalls to an on-line course. 

The topic that I enjoyed most in this class was the module 3, teaching with technology. I found it to be the most bearable of the readings because I felt genuinely interesting in the material. I did appreciate the other material but I didn't have the interest in the other topics as much as module 3. I probably also learned the most from the teaching with technology topic but Module 1 & 3 also had some basic terms and general knowledge that I have heard before but just wasn't familiar enough with it until this semester. 

One of the most important aspects in any course and especially on-line courses is communication. A timely response and feedback to questions and concerns from students would be my priority if I were the instructor of an on-line course. 

MODULE 5

What, if any relationship do you see between the information available on this webpage and regulatory, accreditation, and reimbursement issues and healthcare information system use and design? 

The AHRQ website is a credible source and for that reason is a good resource for consumers and providers alike. I think it is important for patients to be able to feel like they play a part in their health decisions. This site allow them to navigate several different areas pertaining to healthcare including information on prescription drugs, prevention methods and information about diseases and conditions, based on evidenced resources. While it is important for the patient to take an active role in their health, it would also be crucial to have their concerns evaluated and validated, in person, by a healthcare provider. Of areas that I navigated on AHRQ, general information was provided which I am sure ties into their disclaimer, but patients need to be aware of this and that each case can vary and should not be used as a diagnosis tool. There is limitless information available in the Internet and most are not credible. Patients do need to be aware of this and educated on how to decide if the site they are navigating is credible. I thought the ehealth webcast guest (can't remember which one) provided a good explaination that we can give to our patients when they are inquiring about symptoms based on a web site. He stated that the web servers give information based on relevance to specific symptoms and not the liklihood of those symptoms actually being the diagnosis given the whole picture. The Internet can be a helpful tool, and the patient's concerns should be taken into consideration without devalueing their input, but we cannot take away the power of a physical examination, definitive lab tests, radiographic studies and individualization.