Looking back over the last 14 weeks, I have learned so very much about myself through this health policy blog. First, I learned that I can blog! I have always been incredibly scared to put my own thoughts and ideas out into the never-ending world of cyberspace! I learned that I can maneuver through the blog website, adding pictures; but, I never did quite master how to incorporate a video into my posts! (Hence, you never saw a video on this blog!) Second, I learned how to write a blog focusing on academic issues while focusing on my health policy topic. This was a big gain for me because I am only able to write academically or for fun; never both together J. Third, I learned more about the health policy process. I learned that there are many steps, many people involved, but that one voice can truly create a HUGE change. There is a lot of political influence behind the policy process, but I learned that the role of government is to represent the voices of those who they represent. Thus, if I have an idea and I voice that opinion, it can be heard and taken further if it is seen as urgent and needful.
Overall, this blog has served many purposes for me! Not only was it a requirement for the class, but it provided me the opportunity to learn in a way I never had before. I have worked so many hours on my DNP project relating meaningful use and messaging through the patient portal at a FQHC in Arizona; I am very passionate on making the patient portal more meaningful to patients. My DNP project has opened many eyes to how new the patient portal is, what potential benefits exist, but how very many barriers exist and perhaps many issues that were not thought of prior to implementation. When I began this blog, I had only briefly thought of the oddity of the mandate for providers to use the patient portal, yet there is no way to be reimbursed. Now, after 14 weeks of blogging about it, I have learned that there are many issues behind the patient portal and reimbursement. I predict that as more information is gleaned through research, there may need to be changes to the patient portal and meaningful use mandates. But for now, I am going to continue to support the need for providers to receive financial compensation for their time spent using the patient portal!