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
Objective: Improve Chronic Disease Management Patient Outcomes
The goal is to improve chronic disease outcomes for diabetes, hypertension, and COPD patients. Nurse leaders assist clinical teams in data collection, analysis, and apply data to improve patient care.
Data to be Used
Clinical, demographic, behavioral, and health utilization data are crucial. Vital signs, lab results, medication adherence, and hospital readmissions are clinical data. Demographics include age, gender, ethnicity, and comorbidities. Behavioral data includes diet, exercise, and self-management. Health utilization data tracks doctor visits and telehealth.
Data Collection and Access
EHRs track clinical measurements and patient histories; PROs assess symptoms and quality of life; wearable devices monitor health status in real time; and clinical registries track disease-specific outcomes (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019).
Nurse leaders can use data to identify trends, risk factors, and patient subgroups at higher risk for adverse outcomes. It also evaluates medication adherence programs and improves treatment plans (Whitehead, Weiss, & Tappen, 2019). Predictive analytics also allows early intervention by predicting complications.
Critical thinking by nurse leaders ensures that patient care decisions are based on complete data. Clinical data, patient preferences, and socio-cultural contexts inform patient-centered decision-making. Customizing care plans requires interdisciplinary collaboration. Continuous data evaluation improves clinical pathways and promotes quality improvement (NICE, 2019). Nurse leaders promote evidence-based practices to ensure care follows the latest research.
References:
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2019). Managing long-term conditions: Principles and practicalities. NICE Guidelines.
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2019). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice (4th ed.). Wolters Kluwer Health.
Whitehead, D., Weiss, S. A., & Tappen, R. M. (2019). Essentials of nursing leadership & management (6th ed.). F.A. Davis Company.
