AMT2 – Service Line Development

Course Structure:

  • Number of Tasks: 4 (each focused on analyzing specific healthcare management challenges and strategic planning).

  • Key Task for This Guide: Task 4 - Identifying International Healthcare Trends and Creating a Plan of Action.

Estimated Time to Complete Task 4: 4–8 hours, depending on research proficiency.

Key Steps to Complete Task 4

1. Understand the Requirements

  • Identify two international healthcare trends (outside the U.S.) and explain their relevance.

  • Analyze the Staffing Effectiveness Report to determine if staffing issues contribute to patient outcomes.

  • Propose actionable solutions to address staffing issues.

2. Identifying International Healthcare Trends

Tips:

  • Search for "Healthcare Innovations" instead of "Healthcare Trends" to find unique examples.

  • Focus on technologies or practices not widely adopted in the U.S.

  • Examples of successful trends used:

    • AI for Diagnostics in Mexico – Example: Scholarly articles on how Mexico uses AI to enhance diagnostics.

    • Telehealth in Canada – Review articles or reports showing how telemedicine improves rural access.

    • 3D Bioprinting – Used internationally for custom prosthetics or joint creation.

    • Robotic Surgery – Highlight robots like EMARO, not widely utilized in U.S. systems.

Resources:

  • Google Scholar: Search for terms like "healthcare innovation [country name]."

  • World Health Organization Reports: WHO regularly highlights trends in global health.

  • YouTube: Search for international healthcare innovations videos.

  • Austin’s AMT2 Task Videos: Walkthroughs available in course resources.

3. Analyze Staffing Effectiveness Report

  • Look for correlations between:

    • Staffing issues (e.g., nurse-to-patient ratios, overtime hours).

    • Patient outcomes (e.g., increased falls, medication errors).

  • Write a brief summary of your findings.

Example:

  • If overworked staff led to patient falls, identify the EP (Element of Performance) that addresses adequate staffing levels.

4. Develop Your Plan

  • Address Trends and Staffing:

    • Develop a staffing improvement plan (e.g., hiring more RNs, implementing scheduling software).

    • Relate international trends to your chosen solutions (e.g., using telehealth to alleviate staff shortages).

Structure:

  1. Identify Trends: Restate two trends and why they’re significant.

  2. Staffing Solution:

    • Specific steps to improve staffing.

    • Timeline and enforcement.

    • Measurement of success (e.g., reduced error rates).

Pro Tip: Keep solutions practical and actionable—evaluators prioritize clarity over complexity.

5. Create the PowerPoint Presentation

  • Format:

    • Slide 1: Title and objective.

    • Slides 2-3: Overview of international trends.

    • Slides 4-5: Staffing issue and analysis.

    • Slides 6-7: Proposed solutions and their benefits.

    • Slide 8: References.

Resources:

Additional Advice

  • Don’t Overthink Trends: Focus on unique, feasible examples that fulfill the rubric criteria.

  • Leverage Course Resources: Use videos and rubric guidelines for clarity.

  • Ask for Help: Reach out to your course mentor or instructor for guidance if you’re stuck.

  • Review and Edit: Ensure the presentation and paper meet rubric standards.

Final Reminder

The course and tasks are subject to change. Always consult the latest course materials and rubrics provided by WGU. This guide was created using insights from 10 sources of student experiences and tips.