THE APPLICATION OF DATA TO PROBLEM-SOLVING
In the modern era, there are few professions that do not to some extent rely on data. Stockbrokers rely on market data to advise clients on financial matters. Meteorologists rely on weather data to forecast weather conditions, while realtors rely on data to advise on the purchase and sale of property. In these and other cases, data not only helps solve problems, but adds to the practitioner’s and the discipline’s body of knowledge.
Of course, the nursing profession also relies heavily on data. The field of nursing informatics aims to make sure nurses have access to the appropriate date to solve healthcare problems, make decisions in the interest of patients, and add to knowledge.
In this Discussion, you will consider a scenario that would benefit from access to data and how such access could facilitate both problem-solving and knowledge formation.
To Prepare:
Reflect on the concepts of informatics and knowledge work as presented in the Resources.
Consider a hypothetical scenario based on your own healthcare practice or organization that would require or benefit from the access/collection and application of data. Your scenario may involve a patient, staff, or management problem or gap.
Post a description of the focus of your scenario. Describe the data that could be used and how the data might be collected and accessed. What knowledge might be derived from that data? How would a nurse leader use clinical reasoning and judgment in the formation of knowledge from this experience?
The data collected would include vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate; lab values such as cholesterol levels; medications prescribed for each patient; records of any doctor visits or hospitalizations; and lifestyle information including diet habits and exercise routines. This data could be accessed from electronic medical records systems within the healthcare facility or from other sources outside the facility such as community programs or public health databases.
By analyzing this data over time, the nurse could gain an understanding of how certain variables might influence disease progression among different populations or age groups. This knowledge could then be used by nurses across multiple facilities in order to tailor interventions according their needs accordingly . Additionally analysis same would provide additional insight into what factors might contribute positively/negatively towards overall quality life individuals affected ,thus providing further guidance when it comes developing new treatments/strategies related thereto likewise hereof.
Furthermore through careful application clinical reasoning judgement derived form aforementioned experience nurses leaders have opportunity not only evaluate current state affairs but also look beyond present moment assist others doing same moving forward therewith simultaneously contributing greater cause benefiting all involved parties