Critical Review of Nokia - Essay Example

 1. What is the likelihood of the project increasing our understanding of the subject area?  a. Are the research questions well motivated and related to the existing literature?  b. Are the hypotheses testable?  c. Is the methodological approach suitable for the research questions posed?  d. Does the data, or proposed collection of data, make the project feasible?  The project study for the Nokia corporation case for support is significant, since it deals with a topic that was not given much importance, until recently. The project deals with taking care of the rising elderly population (a worldwide phenomenon), and making their lives easier and independent, using technology and communications. The project, which covers the aspect of elderly population in Finland, primarily, focuses on the rural areas, since the country’s population is more rural oriented (89% of the territory dominated by the rural areas in Finland). Besides, decreasing the dependency ratios of the elderly people within the rural municipalities, the project also aims to facilitate in the delivery of better health services and assuring a sustained economic growth. The project, which includes both a literature review on the issue, and an evaluation of the present conditions through discussions, questionnaires, and interviews, will help us to understand the subject matter better by giving us a clear insight into the Finnish health care system, and the use of the technological innovations within this sector. The research question, suitably framed, takes into account the elderly population and the medical services in rural Finland, examines the entire field of medicine and innovative technology. The basic motivation behind this project is the viability of the Health book, is an “easy to use online medical networking service aimed at senior citizens, communities, hospitals and doctors” (Nokia Corporation Case for Support, 2011, 3). The elderly population living within rural communities will benefit from this online health service by getting direct access to medical and social support without having to go out of their houses. The hypotheses that says ‘quality performing telecommunication connections and broadband accessibility make it possible for people in rural areas to live and work despite long distances’ (ibid, 4) is measurable both qualitatively and quantitatively. Qualitatively the data can be collected through theoretical studies of books, journals, and articles on the relationship between improved health care facilities, and innovative technologies and communications. Quantitatively, it is possible to measure the outcomes and implications through the different performance indicators, assessment tests, patient surveys, discussions, interviews, and questionnaires with people in the medical sector and patients, which allows the reader to get a complete overview of their opinions and views, on the present situation and future implications of the issue. Thus, the proposed form of methodology that takes into account both qualitative and quantitative methods, is suitable for this project. The proposed form of data collection makes the project viable, as it aims to explore the variables where the structures will be related to the activities and digital platform of the HealthBook (online medical networking service). The results will then be referred to the “accessibility and user friendliness of the platform for both elders and medical professionals” (ibid, 11). Lastly, the results would be measured, based on Donabedian’s guidelines (1980), and compared with the results of the preceding health care, thus, providing a clear picture of the present results and the future implications. 2. a. What is the likelihood of the project making a substantial advance in our understanding and knowledge of the subject area?  b. How strong is the impact statement; how will impact be achieved?  The project has chances of making a substantial improvement in the comprehension of the subject area. Health sector when integrated with advanced form of technology serves to improve the quality of life (this improvement has already been perceived in other aspects of life, like online banking). The case study research project will work towards broadening the perspectives and scope of our vision, where one will comprehend how technology helps in cutting down the total cost of medical treatment. As for example, video conferencing between patients and physicians can cut down time and cost, wasted in travelling long distances from the rural areas to the urban geriatric medical care; while online appointments would save unnecessary contacts, and eases the workload off the hospital staff, improving their work efficiency in the end. This project would also reveal the extent of the social support that the elderly population could receive when necessary. It would also display how Healthbook can improve the medical support system in Finland rural areas, by providing adequate training and constantly updating the medical staff, so that all patients, irrespective of gender, age, location, class, race, or religion, get optimum health benefits. The impact expressed is strong and logical, where it takes into the account the necessities of the fast growing elderly population (in the remote rural areas) that need support both socially and medically, for leading a good quality of life. If the online assistances, as claimed by the project in its research objectives, is indeed made available to the rural elderly population, will have a profound impact of a positive nature, on the Finnish health sector. The research project aims to bring about this positive impact by integrating the advancement in communication and technology (private sector), with the Finland’s Ministry of Social Affairs and Health or MSAH’s objectives regarding the provision of medical services, and the National Ageing Policy (public sector). The technological communication helps to improve the quality and speed of the offered medical services, and makes the physicians and the patients familiar with all the provisions within the offered e-Health services. This will also remove the sense of isolation for the elderly population, where they can consistently remain in touch with their caregivers, thus, making the approach more of a “social medical perspective that includes matters beyond those of internal medicine” (ibid, 2011, 15). This form of the E-Health services will also be able to give rural hospitals easy access to import new technologies and new treatments, and remain in close connection with medical facilities in the various large cities in Finland. Does the proposal effectively address the call for proposals to which it responds?  The chief objectives of the Finland’s MSAH are to provide each citizen with equal medical opportunities, so that all can enjoy the benefits of a safe and healthy lifestyle. The general goal of Finland’s health policies are to elevate the functional capacities (both physical and mental) of all its citizens, especially within the rural areas (distantly located from the urban centers, hence often tend to be deprived of the latest innovations in medical sciences). The call for the proposal that aims at private-public partnerships has the following objectives: “(1) improve patient services at lower costs; (2) increase the overall efficiency of the medical workforce; (3) improve the health wellbeing of an aging population in rural areas in a context of a reduced scope of health care services regarding territory, proximity and limited mobility” (Call No. 1/ 2011 – February 23, 2011, 2). As we have seen in the above discussion, the proposal presented, effectively addresses all the calls made by the MSAH. Has there been adequate consideration of the ethical, legal and social implications of the research proposed? The research proposal very effectively handles the ethical, legal and social implications especially of the rights to receive adequate medical care, the right to privacy while discussion health issues that tend to make people uncomfortable. The research proposal has planned a private policy, which will take into account the nature of the data collected, manner of data handling, and notification on the information disclosure within public forums. It has also stated that any personal information obtained during the project (through interviews, discussions, or questionnaires) will be banned for commercial use. The proposal takes into account ethical issues related to the medical staff, on the matter of sharing patient’s medical files, and the staffs are allowed to discuss cases without revealing the patient’s identity. As regards the social implications, the proposal very clearly states, “technology exists for the benefits of everyone regardless of gender, race, disability or health status. We do not discriminate against the above-mentioned conditions neither when hiring personnel nor when dealing with our customers. Healthbook additionally is safe for its users and the environment,” thus ruling out any sort of bias, based on gender, age, class or race (Nokia Corporation Case for Support, 2011, 15-16). Bibliography Ministry Of Social Affairs and Health Call For Proposals for Public-Private Partnerships in The Health Sector in Rural Areas. Call No. 1/ 2011 – February 23, 2011. Nokia Corporation Case for Support, 2011. Responding to the call for proposals for public-private partnerships in the health sector in rural areas. Call no. 1/ 2011, presented by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health of Finland on February 23, 2011. Read More