Many of us in America are swimming in the “pharma-sea” of medications. We are a pill popping nation. Interestingly, years ago when I was dating a frenchman, whenever we’d go to France to visit his family, his mother would request certain vitamins/supplements that are not available in Europe. Apparently pharmaceuticals isn’t as “pushed” or emphasized in Europe as it is in the U.S. I found that interesting. I don’t know how it is today in Europe (that was more then ten years ago and the frenchman and I have since parted ways) but, I think it is safe and credible to say that big pharma is a big business in America.

When I have spoken to my mother-in-law about ALL the medications that she takes and ALL the ones that she is in charge of making sure my father-in-law takes, she knew the basics on what they were for. However, she wasn’t truly aware of how the medications “work” or the possible side-effects they can have. My father-in-law is the sickest person I personally know. My in-laws kitchen counter top practically looks like an apothecary! My husband believes that the years of prednisone that his father had been on for rheumatoid arthritis for years has kicked him into acquiring chronic myelogenous leukemia.  It is worth mentioning that shortly after being on prednisone, my father-in-law gained quite a big of weight and eventually acquired diabetes. Perhaps it is my mother-in-laws generation that doesn’t question what the doctors prescribe them. They just want to feel better and they trust their doctors. My husband on the other hand isn’t as trusting. He has even done much research on the many medications that his father takes and even came across an article that said taking prednisone long-term is like giving yourself HIV because of how much is suppresses the immune system. When my husband spoke to his parents about the information he found on the certain medications his parents were taking, it seemed to go in one ear and out the other. Sad.

It is prudent to say that before we dive into the “pharma-sea” of drugs out there, we should definitely get some swimming lessons or at least wear our floaties, lest we sink.

It is no surprise that technology is an enormous part of our lives – it just is.  The format of this very class attests to that. I am fascinated by what is out there these days technologically.  As I mentioned in a previous blog, I have been able to experience what life was like before all the gizmos and gadgets.  Years ago, I used to attend one of the biggest computer/technology conventions that was held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada. The best of the best were showcasing their latest products and the newcomers even had a platform to introduce their new piece of the technology pie.  It is nothing short of amazing of how far advances in technology since then have been made.

One of the most amazing technologies, hands down, is our cellphones. But, who calls them cellphones anymore? They are “Smartphones”, right? And, smart they are…well actually it is the developers behind the iPhones and Smartphones who are smart. We have all seen, and probably would not want to live without, many of the “apps” that make our lives more organized, keep us in touch with family and friends, keep us abreast of what is happening in the world via social media, and the list goes on. We could all probably agree that we look on our phone to “see if there is an app for that”.  I’ve seen my share of really spiffy apps that have made a positive difference in my life. Could I do without it? Probably, but it sure is nice to have it.  Now that I am a soon to be nurse, I am more than ever interested in what is available on our smartphones for medical purposes.  I found something interesting.

A company by the name of AliveCor has turned our smartphones into a medical device.  According to Haw (2014) “Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and, if left untreated, is a significant risk factor for stroke and heart failure.” Last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  granted AliveCor clearance for its algorithm to detect atrial fibrillation (AFib). AliveCor has an automated process (algorithm) that analyses and instantly detects if a patient is experiencing atrial fibrillation via real-tiime electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings.  And, so you say? Well, a patient does not go to the doctor’s office or hospital for this ECG. The ECG is taken on a mobile phone based with AliveCor’s Heart Monitor.  The AliveCor Heart Monitor records, stores and transfers ECG rhythms.This real-time ECG is seen by the patient’s doctor who can immediately intervene before a life-threatening event, such as a stroke, occurs.  Patients can use AliveCor’s ECG analysis service to confirm their ECG results with a U.S. board-certified cardiologist or a personal physician.

Healthcare professionals, patients with known or suspected cardiac conditions and health conscious individuals are the target consumers for the AliveCor Heart Monitor.  AliveCor says, “The monitor is compatible with all iPhone models and most Android mobile devices. This monitor is the perfect example of some of the amazing technology that is out there for cardiac conditions. Users will continue to have the ability to access their data confidentially anytime, anywhere.”

http://www.alivecor.com

State a team name, letter of your group (A-F), and describe the reason the name was chosen:

Group 1 consists of:  Brittany Brown, Marylou Fulton, Julia Greiner, Alissa Pang

Team Name: “The Fiery Synapses”

We chose this team name because we are the means by which the information and knowledge on the chapters for The Nervous System will be “fired off” and communicated to the rest of the class:)

Meeting time(s) and location(s) for the duration of the semester:

Presentation Date: 4/29/15

Skype meeting dates…

Feb 13, 20, 23, 27

Mar 6, 12, 27

Apr 3, 10, 24

Role of each group member (Are there roles? Or delegated tasks?):

The Nervous System section will be divided as follows:

Chapter 21: Marylou

Chapte 22: Brittany

Chapter 23 Part 1: Alissa or Julia

Chapter 23 Part 2: Julia or Alissa

Each group member will be responsible for doing their part but will also take part in looking over the entire project as a whole before project is finalized.

Who will lead each meeting each meeting? If you will rotate, detail how this will occur?:

We will rotate the leadership role. Each member will lead at least one meeting.

Who will take minutes and record action items? If you will rotate, detail how this will occur?:

The team leader will be responsible for taking the minutes and record action items. They will record what goes on during the meeting they lead.

What will your process be for dealing with group members who miss meetings or who are late? How will you address first time offense and repeat offenses? Will the discussion happen one-on-one or as a group?

This group will discuss any issues that arise one-on-one first (with the group leader) and if problems persist, we will discuss the issue as a group.

What will your process be for dealing with distractions (side bar conversations, cell phone conversations, etc.) during a meeting? How will you address first time offense and repeat offenses? Will the discussion happen one-on-one or as a group?

This group will discuss any issues that arise one-on-one first (with the group leader) and if problems persist, we will discuss the issue as a group.

What will your process be for decision making? If you decide on a consensus vote, what will your process be for making a decision if consensus cannot be reached?:

We will collaborate as a group to make decisions. If a consensus cannot be met, we will use a Randomizer/Numerator machine to come to a conclusion.

What will your process be for dealing with team member who does not fulfill his or her team assignment(s)? How will you address first time offense and repeat offenses? Will the discussion happen one-on-one or as a group?:

If a group member is not fulfilling their role, the whole group will get together to discuss the issue.

What will your process be for resolving conflict within the group? Will the discussion happen one-on-one or as a group?:

This group will discuss any issues that arise one-on-one first (with the group leader) and if problems persist, we will discuss the issue as a group.

List any other applicable group norms that your group committed to

-As a group, we will touch base at least once a week to “check in” with each other.

-We will support each other! If one or some of us fall behind, we will not blame, but pick up the slack if need be.

-We have to keep our eyes on the mission at hand.  But, we also need to be responsible for each of our parts.

-Each group member will be forthright and transparent with fellow group members about any personal struggles we may be dealing with that may be hindering the progress of the project.

-We will not have a culture of blame.

-We will assess the situation and collaborate as a group on how to move forward if issues arise.

First and Last Name of all group members:

Brittany Brown

Marylou Fulton

Julia Greiner

Alissa Pang

Signature of all group members:

All members of the Fiery Synapses have convened regarding these topics and are in accordance with the contents of this assignment.

It’s called nurs420