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.
Resources
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
WEEKLY RESOURCES
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.
By Day 3 of Week 1
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?
By Day 6 of Week 1
Respond to at least two of your colleagues* on two different days, asking questions to help clarify the scenario and application of data, or offering additional/alternative ideas for the application of nursing informatics principles.
*Note: Throughout this program, your fellow students are referred to as colleagues.
Solution
In my healthcare organization, collecting and managing data on healthcare providers’ credentials is essential for regulatory compliance and maintaining high-quality care. By leveraging information technology to track licensure, certifications, and continuing education, we can monitor qualifications and address gaps in real time, ensuring compliance with accrediting bodies like JCAHO and supporting continuous improvement in patient safety and care outcomes.
Credentialing data, including licensure, certification, and continuing education, is crucial for verifying providers’ qualifications. Licensure confirms legal authorization to practice; certification ensures specialized expertise, and continuing education tracks professional development. Providers must maintain their credentials through ongoing education and demonstrate commitment to patient care excellence (McCormick et al., 2017).
Integrating data management systems with Electronic Health Records (EHR) streamlines data collection and access. These systems consolidate credentialing information from various sources, use automated verification tools, and notify providers of upcoming expirations. They also generate shareable reports for supervisors. Analyzing credentialing data reveals workforce strengths and gaps, guiding recruitment, professional development, and education programs to improve provider competencies and patient care. Knowledge workers are key in analyzing and applying data to drive progress (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2022).
As a nursing leader, I will harness the power of strategic clinical reasoning and judgment to inspire healthcare professionals to maintain their credentials through proactive communication. We will implement clear strategies, such as sending reminders for upcoming credential renewals and offering BLS and CEU classes as vital components of ongoing professional development. This personalized approach ensures compliance with accrediting bodies and underscores the profound importance of continuous education and skill enhancement. By embracing a data-driven credentialing system, we will track our progress, identify gaps, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. These impactful actions will elevate our organization’s reputation and trust, ultimately shining a light on patient safety and uplifting care outcomes.
References:
McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2022). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
McCormick, K. A., Gugerty, B., & Sensmeier, J. (2017). A Comparison of Professional Informatics-Related Competencies and Certifications. Online Journal of Nursing Informatics, 21(1), 1.
