NURS-6051C Module 1: Week 1: Discussion

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

Scenario: Reducing Hospital-Acquired Infections in an ICU Setting

Focus of the Scenario:
Hospital-acquired infections are a persistent issue in healthcare settings, particularly in intensive care units where patients are vulnerable due to weakened immune systems. Despite strict infection control protocols, hospital-acquired infections such as central line-associated bloodstream infections and ventilator-associated pneumonia remain a challenge. This scenario focuses on leveraging data to reduce hospital-acquired infections and improve patient outcomes.

Data to be Used and Collection Methods:
The following types of data would be useful in addressing Hospital-acquired infections:

Infection Rates:

-Collected through electronic health records  and infection surveillance systems.

-Identifies trends in the frequency and types of infections.

Hand Hygiene Compliance:

-Collected via direct observation, electronic monitoring systems, and staff self-reporting.

-Provides insights into adherence to hand hygiene protocols among healthcare workers.

  1. Use of Medical Devices (e.g., central lines, ventilators, catheters):
    • Recorded in patient charts and electronic health records.
    • Helps track device-related infection risks.
  2. Environmental Cleanliness and Sterilization Data:
    • Collected through routine audits and ATP (adenosine triphosphate) bioluminescence testing.
    • Ensures compliance with hospital sanitation protocols.
  3. Antibiotic Use and Resistance Patterns:
    • Gathered from pharmacy records and microbiology reports.
    • Helps track antibiotic stewardship efforts and emerging resistance patterns.

Knowledge Derived from Data:

  • Identification of high-risk areas or units with increased hospital-acquired infection prevalence.
  • Trends in staff compliance with infection prevention protocols.
  • Correlation between infection rates and specific interventions (e.g., changes in catheter care protocols).
  • Effectiveness of environmental cleaning measures.
  • Patterns of antibiotic resistance that inform treatment decisions.

Use of Clinical Reasoning and Judgment by Nurse Leaders:

  • Identifying Gaps: By analyzing infection trends, nurse leaders can pinpoint areas needing improvement, such as specific shifts or departments with lower hand hygiene compliance.
  • Implementing Evidence-Based Interventions: If data reveal high CLABSI rates, nurse leaders may introduce evidence-based bundle care practices, such as chlorhexidine bathing and optimal catheter maintenance.
  • Educating and Training Staff: If hand hygiene compliance is low, targeted education programs or real-time feedback interventions can be implemented.
  • Developing Policies: Based on data insights, nurse leaders can advocate for new infection control policies or updates to existing protocols.
  • Monitoring and Continuous Improvement: Ongoing data collection allows for continuous monitoring and iterative improvements in infection prevention strategies.

By utilizing nursing informatics and data-driven decision-making, nurse leaders can effectively reduce hospital-acquired infections, improve patient safety, and contribute to the broader knowledge base of infection control.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthcare-associated-infections/php/data/index.htmlLinks to an external site.

Friedman, C., Newsom, S. W. B., & Sepkowitz, K. A. (2023). Automating surveillance for healthcare-associated infections. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9972536/Links to an external site.

Mody, L., Krein, S. L., Saint, S., & Meddings, J. (2023). Management practices for leaders to promote infection prevention. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10302109/Links to an external site.

Tartari, E., Allegranzi, B., & Pittet, D. (2023). Head nurse leadership: Facilitators and barriers to adherence to infection prevention and control programs. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI). Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4403/14/3/138Links to an external site.

Tanner, C. A. (2021). An update on clinical judgment in nursing and implications for education. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 12(1), 50-57. Retrieved from https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256%2821%2900116-2/fulltextLinks to an external site.

Murray, T. A. (2021). New nurses and clinical judgment. American Nurse Journal. Retrieved from https://www.myamericannurse.com/new-nurses-and-clinical-judgment/Links to an external site.

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