Research Applications #9

Nursing informatics plays a role in evidence-based practice guidelines and translational research. A growing emphasis and competency is also necessary in the field of bioinformatics. Please answer the following questions:

  1. The use of heparin versus saline to maintain the patency of peripheral intravenous catheters has been addressed in research for many years. The American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHSP) published a position paper in January 2006 (American Society of Health System Pharmacists, 2006) advocating its support of the use of 0.9% saline in the maintenance of peripheral catheters in nonpregnant adults. It seems surprising that their position paper references articles that advocate the use of saline over heparin dating from 1991. What do you believe are some of the barriers that would have caused this delay in implementation?
  2. The study of genomics is helping clinicians to understand better the interaction between genes and the environment. This new information and knowledge will continue to help clinicians find ways to improve health and prevent disease. How do you envision patient care will change, based on genomics in 10 years, 20 years, or 50 years in the future?