· YOUR INDIVIDUAL PAPER IS ARGUMENTATIVE OR POSITIONAL (Healthcare Information Technology) THIS is NOT and information paper so please read this carefully Individual Writing Assignment This Individual Writing Assignment is worth 20 points, and it is due at the end of Week 5. The purposes of this assignment are to a) help you effectively use research resources through library data bases and search engines to complete course requirements; b) improve your critical thinking skills, and c) develop your effectiveness in writing about topics relevant to course objectives and healthcare information systems.  The paper explores, in greater detail than the required readings and class discussion, any healthcare information system topic identified in the course text or syllabus. Your job is to select a current issue in healthcare information systems, provide the necessary background and your position, along with a conclusion and future direction. I encourage you to select a subject in which you have interest and approach this assignment as a potential publishable work.   Position Paper Your final paper is 15 pages double-spaced (excluding the executive summary, footnotes, and references) with a 10 or 12 point font. Tables, graphics, and diagrams must be placed in the paper as attachments. They do not count in the page length. This is a guide to help you organize your content and what is expected in each section.  The page counts are suggested, however, where they have a limit, that must be adhered to. · Cover Page:  APA Style (1 Page, not included in page count) · Table of Contents:  (not included in page count) · Executive Summary:  Bottom line up front (1 page, no more) · Introduction : (1/2 to 1 page) · Background : Information on the topic that provides context so readers can understand the background leading into your statement and analysis of the issue (up to 2 pages, no more) · Analysis of the issue : This is the problem you see with the current state of your topic supported by evidence and literature that brings validity to the issue or problem you are stating exists.  Then describe the factors contributing to the issue /problem broken down by (2-3 pages) People Processes Technology · Position :  Now that the reader understands the problem broken down by people, process, and technology, provide a clear statement of what your position is on the issue and why.  (1/2 to 1 page) · Rationale :  Now that the reader clearly understands your position and why you will detail your position with supporting evidence and literature to persuade the reader your position is the most valid.  You should address opposing views with counter arguments here also.  Your position should have evidence directly addressing the issues you stated above broken down by the same (3-4 pages) People Process Technology · Recommendation : Now that you have convinced the reader on your position being the best way forward, you need to provide 3-5 discrete recommen.

1. ·
YOUR INDIVIDUAL PAPER IS ARGUMENTATIVE OR
POSITIONAL
(Healthcare Information Technology)
THIS is NOT and information paper so please read this
carefully
Individual Writing Assignment
This Individual Writing Assignment is worth 20 points, and it is
due at the end of Week 5.
The purposes of this assignment are to a) help you effectively
use research resources through library data bases and search
engines to complete course requirements; b) improve your
critical thinking skills, and c) develop your effectiveness in
writing about topics relevant to course objectives and healthcare
information systems. The paper explores, in greater detail than
the required readings and class discussion, any healthcare
information system topic identified in the course text or
syllabus. Your job is to select a current issue in healthcare
information systems, provide the necessary background and
your position, along with a conclusion and future direction. I
encourage you to select a subject in which you have interest and
approach this assignment as a potential publishable work.
Position Paper
Your final paper is 15 pages double-spaced (excluding the
executive summary, footnotes, and references) with a 10 or 12
point font. Tables, graphics, and diagrams must be placed in the

2. paper as attachments. They do not count in the page length. This
is a guide to help you organize your content and what is
expected in each section. The page counts are suggested,
however, where they have a limit, that must be adhered to.
·
Cover Page:
APA Style (1 Page, not included in page count)
·
Table of Contents:
(not included in page count)
·
Executive Summary:
Bottom line up front (1 page, no more)
·
Introduction
: (1/2 to 1 page)
·
Background
: Information on the topic that provides context so readers can
understand the background leading into your statement and
analysis of the issue (up to 2 pages, no more)
·
Analysis of the issue
: This is the problem you see with the current state of your topic
supported by evidence and literature that brings validity to the
issue or problem you are stating exists. Then describe the
factors contributing to the issue /problem broken down by (2-3
pages)
People

3. Processes
Technology
·
Position
: Now that the reader understands the problem broken down by
people, process, and technology, provide a clear statement of
what your position is on the issue and why. (1/2 to 1 page)
·
Rationale
: Now that the reader clearly understands your position and
why you will detail your position with supporting evidence and
literature to persuade the reader your position is the most valid.
You should address opposing views with counter arguments
here also. Your position should have evidence directly
addressing the issues you stated above broken down by the same
(3-4 pages)
People
Process
Technology
·
Recommendation
: Now that you have convinced the reader on your position
being the best way forward, you need to provide 3-5 discrete
recommendations to best address the issue. (2-3 pages)
·
Conclusion:
Sum up what has been said with the bottom line (1/2 page)
·
References:

4. APA Style (not included in page count)
·
Attachments:
(not included in page count)
Start by Anchoring to a Topic
Picking a topic is rather difficult, and it takes a careful eye to
choose a proper one for an argument essays. When taking a
class and given the opportunity to choose a topic for an
argument essay is normally very flexible. The first thing that
you should stay away from is a topic that you don’t care about.
The second thing you should stay away from is a topic that is
too broad to cover in your particular essay. The third thing is
that it has to be in some way related to health information
technology. An argumentative essay is one that revolves around
an argument. If there is no argument, then there can be no
argumentative essay. If your thesis does not have an opposing
thesis or your argument has no counter argument then the topic
is not good for your assignment. If you have a topic in mind, try
and test it against the counter topic. Write out your thesis and
the opposing thesis just to make sure there is one. The key
point is that your topic MUST have conflicting views. Subjects
and statements that are generally accepted to be true should be
avoided when you select an argumentative essay topic.
Taking an opposing position for an accepted stance on a health
IT topic is also acceptable because you are arguing against it.
Arguing for something that is already accepted would simply
be an information paper restating what is already known on the
topic. The point of this is the analysis and critical thinking in
formulating and arguing your position on a topic that has 2
sides or an opposing side to an accepted practice in health IT
that can be supported by evidence (research, peer reviewed
journals, etc.) that is quantifiable and qualifiable. It is NOT to
describe "about" a topic or provide a primer or information

5. about a topic. Certainly NOT a Wikipedia-like article or essay.
There is no position on that, critical analysis or argument...just
a reiteration of facts. This is an argumentative essay or position
paper that means taking a topic that has some controversy,
differing view points, and arguing your side of the issue,
problem or position.
First, make sure your topic is debatable.
Check your thesis!
You cannot argue a statement of fact; you must base your
paper on a strong position. Ask yourself…
How many people could argue against my position? What
would they say?
Can it be addressed with a yes or no? (aim for a topic that
requires more info.)
Can I base my argument on scholarly evidence, or am I relying
on religion, cultural standards, or morality? (You MUST be able
to do quality research!)
Why do I need to address the opposing side’s argument?
- There is an old kung-fu saying which states, "The hand that
strikes also blocks", meaning that when you argue it is to your
advantage to anticipate your opposition and strike down their
arguments within the body of your own paper. This sentiment is
echoed in the popular saying, "The best defense is a good
offense". By addressing the opposition you achieve the
following goals:
llustrate a well-rounded understanding of the topic
demonstrate a lack of bias
enhance the level of trust that the reader has for both you and
your opinion
give yourself the opportunity to refute any arguments the
opposition may have
strengthen your argument by diminishing your opposition's
argument

6. Examples of topics that will NOT work, there is nothing to
argue which will result in an information paper.
Adopting an EHR can help improve patient care.
If you use the example of playing sports is good…its too
general, doesn’t address the who, what, why and how and
finally, its not a debatable topic. Its known and proven with
many studies.
Computerized provider order entry reduces prescribing errors.
Though this topic is more narrow to a specific component of
EHR, it doesn’t address the who, and how and finally, it’s not a
debatable topic. It’s known and proven with many studies.
Telehealth improves access to care for rural health.
First this topic is too broad. There are many types of telehealth
and second, the entire purpose of telehealth is to improve access
to care. Once again, its known and proven with many studies.
Can EHRs improve patient participation?
This won’t work for the same reasons as above. More
importantly, a position is NOT a question. So never base your
position which should be firm on a question.
One example of a solid argument taking the telehealth example
would be
Health organizations will remain reluctant to adopt virtual visits
and secure messaging which improve access to care until
Medicare reimburses for care in their home.

7. Its narrow. Its debatable, its current. It tells you exactly what
the problem is that I’m arguing and the position I’m taking.
This helps anchor your entire writing around this issue in
technology. From this, I would provide an introduction about
the PROBLEM. I would then give brief background on virtual
visits, secure messaging, medicare reimbursements and more
importantly the background of the problem of reimbursements
for the care impacting adoption and of course the benefits.
Then I would proceed with my analysis of this problem. Studies
that support the position to demonstrate how Medicare
influences adoption and with reimbursements for virtual visits
at home, projected adoption, reduction of physical visits and
subsequent improvement in access to care. The problem it
solves and benefits. I would then take any counter arguments,
address them and counter the counter arguments to demonstrate
the pros outweighs the cons supported by evidence that can be
quantified and qualified. I would then provide clear
recommendation that align with each of the problems you stated
and how to address each. Then conclude to wrap up.
Now that we know what a strong thesis statement is, we can
begin to craft one of our own. Most effective
position statements often answer these three questions:
What is the essay’s subject?
What is the main idea that will be discussed about the topic?
What is the evidence or support that will be used to support the
main idea?
Let’s suppose that I want to write an essay about playing sports.
I might begin with a sentence like this:
Playing sports is really good for people.
This is a good start because it does express my position without

8. announcing it; unfortunately, it is vague and general and
therefore ineffective. It is not all that exciting for my reader,
and it leaves my audience too many unanswered questions.
WHY
is playing sports good for people?
HOW
does playing sports benefit people?
WHICH
people benefit from playing sports? Asking questions about the
topic is a great way to find more specific information to include
in my thesis.
Let’s suppose now that after asking these questions, I’ve
decided I want to narrow my topic into children and sports. I
might next have a thesis like this:
Playing sports is really good for children.
Now my thesis is more specific, but I still haven’t really
answered the
WHY
and
HOW
questions. Maybe I think that playing sports helps children
develop better cooperation skills, better coordination, and better
overall health. I might have a thesis that ends up like this:
Playing sports is beneficial for children because it helps them
develop better cooperation skills, better coordination, and better
overall health.
Notice that I have beefed up my vocabulary a bit by changing
“really good” to “beneficial.” For help with specific vocabulary,
check out the
Using Precise Language
page.

9. Notice that I also now have the three major elements of a thesis
statement:
A
subject
: playing sports
A
main idea
: playing sports is beneficial for children
Support
or
Evidence
: better cooperation, better coordination, and better overall
health.
Most effective thesis statements contain this type of structure,
often called an action plan or plan of development. This is such
an effective type of thesis because it clearly tells the reader
what is going to be discussed; it also helps the writer stay
focused and organized. How can you now use this pattern to
create an effective position statement?
Remember, this is not the only type of effective thesis
statement, but using this pattern is helpful if you are having
difficulty creating your thesis and staying organized in your
writing.
https://www.roanestate.edu/owl/Thesis-Statements.html
The Thesis Statement Dissected
1. A good argumentative thesis is focused and not too broad.
It’s important to stay focused! Don’t try to argue an overly
broad topic in your essay, or you’re going to feel confused and
unsure about your direction and purpose.

10. Don’t write, “Eating fast food is bad and should be avoided.”
This statement is too general and would be nearly impossible
for you to defend. It leaves a lot of big questions to answer. Is
all fast food bad? Why is it bad? Who should avoid it? Why
should anyone care?
Do write, “Americans should eliminate the regular consumption
of fast food because the fast food diet leads to preventable and
expensive health issues, such as diabetes, obesity, and heart
disease.”
In this example, I’ve narrowed my argument to the health
consequences related to a diet of fast food. I’ve also chosen to
focus on Americans rather than everyone in the universe.
(Because, as we all know, inhabitants of the faraway planet
Double patty 5 require the starches and fats inherent in fast food
to survive).
2. A good argumentative thesis is centered on a
debatable
topic.
Back in the ‘80s, teens loved to say “
that’s debatable
” about claims they didn’t agree with (such as “you should clean
your room” and “you shouldn’t go to that movie”). This age-old,
neon-colored, bangle-wearing, peg-legged wisdom holds true
today—in your thesis statement.
Don’t write, “There are high numbers of homeless people living
in Berkeley, California.”
No one can argue for
or
against this statement. It’s not debatable. It’s just a fact.
An argument over this non-debatable statement would go
something like this:
“There are lots of homeless people in Berkeley.”

11. “Yes, there sure are a bunch of them out there.”
“Yup.”
As you can see, that’s not much of an argument.
Do write, “Homeless people in Berkeley should be given access
to services, such as regular food donations, public restrooms,
and camping facilities, because it would improve life for all
inhabitants of the city.”
Now
that’s
debatable
.
Opponents could easily argue that homeless people in Berkeley
already receive adequate services (
“just look at all those luxurious sidewalks!”
), or perhaps that they shouldn’t be entitled to services at all (
“get a job, ya lazy loafers!”
).
3. A good argumentative thesis picks a side.
I went into a lot of detail about the importance of picking sides
in my post
The Secrets of a Strong Argumentative Essay
. Picking a side is pretty much the whole entire point of an
argumentative essay.
Just as you can’t root for both the Yankees and the Mets, you
can’t argue both sides of a topic in your thesis statement.
Don’t write, “Secondhand smoke is bad and can cause heart
disease and cancer; therefore, smoking should be outlawed in
public places, but outlawing smoking is unfair to smokers so
maybe non-smokers can just hold their breath or wear masks
around smokers instead.”
A wishy-washy statement like this will make your reader
scratch his head in puzzlement. Are you for smoking laws or

12. against them? Yankees or Mets? Mets or Yankees?
Pick a side, and stick with it!
Then stick up for it.
Do write, “Secondhand smoke is just as harmful as smoking
and leads to a higher prevalence of cancer and heart disease.
What’s worse, people who inhale secondhand smoke are doing
so without consent. For this reason, smoking in any public place
should be banned.”
4.
A good thesis makes claims that will be supported later in the
paper.
As I explained in my blog post
How to Create a Powerful Argumentative Essay Outline
, Your claims make up a critical part of building the roadmap to
your argument.
It’s important to first include a summary of your claims in your
thesis statement. During the course of your essay, you will back
each of your claims with well-researched evidence.
Don’t write, “Humans should relocate to Mars.”
This statement doesn’t include any supporting claims. Why
should humans move to Mars? What are the benefits of moving
to a planet without oxygen or trees?
Do write, “It is too late to save earth; therefore, humans should
immediately set a date for their relocation to Mars where, with
proper planning, they can avoid issues of famine, war, and
global warming.”
This statement includes some thought-provoking claims. The
reader will wonder how the author plans to defend them. (“
Famine, war, and global warming can be easily avoided on
Mars? Go on…”)

13. Once again, google is amazing in finding health IT topics that
you can form your paper.