Nurse informaticians use consumer self-reported data to better understand those most vulnerable to coronavirus

400 M Health Fairview patients expected to participate

Nurse informaticians are partnering with M Health Fairview to help identify social determinants of health information in patients who are at higher risk of being diagnosed with COVID-19.
“COVID-19 is exposing racial and digital divides across communities,” said School of Nursing Professor Karen Monsen, PhD, RN, FAMIA, FAAN. “A whole-person picture of health that includes social determinants of health from a strengths-perspective is needed to understand community needs but also strengths or assets.”

The project, which was recently funded by the University of Minnesota Clinical and Translational Science Institute, will collect data using the School of Nursing-trademarked web-based app, MyStrengths+MyHealth. Approximately 400 patients will be able to use the app as part of this project through targeted text messages.

The data collected will provide descriptive statistics to understand M Health Fairview patient needs, challenges and strengths during the pandemic, including social determinants of health and resilience by geographic area over time. M Health Fairview will be able to monitor the data in real-time, and identify patients with severe or increasing health or social needs.

“COVID-19 is further revealing structural divisions in our communities,” said Assistant Professor Robin Austin, PhD, DNP, RN-BC. “We need a complete data-driven picture, including community strengths, to inform community, stakeholders and policy decisions. This data is essential to connect individuals with vital resources during this pandemic, and is critical for policy makers who would not otherwise be aware of these needs.”

The MyStrengths+MyHealth app uses the Omaha System, a standardized, multi-disciplinary health terminology and instrument, to assess the health of individuals and communities. The Center for Nursing Informatics at the School of Nursing is home to the research arm of the Omaha System, which defines the whole person in 42 health concepts.

“MyStrengths+MyHealth presents a new phase of consumer self-reported data to understand hidden needs of the most vulnerable,” said Monsen.