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

The Application of Data to Problem-Solving in Nursing Informatics

Introduction

Data-driven decision-making is essential in modern healthcare, with nursing informatics playing a critical role in improving patient outcomes. Access to accurate and timely data allows healthcare professionals to address pressing healthcare issues, optimize care delivery, and enhance evidence-based practice (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2022). This discussion explores a scenario where nursing informatics and data collection could facilitate problem-solving in patient care.

Scenario: Improving Medication Adherence in Hypertensive Patients

In a clinical setting, many patients with hypertension struggle with medication adherence, leading to complications such as strokes, heart attacks, and hospital readmissions. Non-adherence remains a significant challenge in chronic disease management, often influenced by social determinants of health, health literacy, and accessibility to healthcare services (Sweeney, 2017). Data from electronic health records (EHRs), pharmacy refill rates, and wearable health devices can be utilized to monitor patient compliance and identify trends in non-adherence.

Data Collection and Accessibility

  • To address this issue, healthcare providers can collect data from multiple sources:
    Electronic Health Records (EHRs): EHR data documents patient appointments, medication refills, and vital signs to track blood pressure trends (Nagle et al., 2017).
  • Patient-Generated Health Data (PGHD): Wearable devices, such as blood pressure monitors, can transmit real-time readings to healthcare providers.
  • Pharmacy Refill Data: Monitoring prescription refill frequencies can help assess adherence levels and identify patients at risk of poor compliance.

This data can be accessed through patient portals, telehealth platforms, and healthcare databases, ensuring seamless communication between providers and patients (Public Health Informatics Institute, 2017).

Deriving Knowledge from Data

Analyzing medication adherence patterns allows for:

  • Predictive Modeling: Identifying at-risk patients based on historical data trends.
  • Personalized Interventions: Sending automated reminders via mobile apps or text messages to patients who miss doses.
  • Improved Patient Education: Developing targeted educational materials for patients struggling with medication compliance (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2022).

The Role of Nurse Leaders in Knowledge Formation

Nurse leaders play a crucial role in leveraging clinical reasoning and data analytics to bridge gaps in patient care. By integrating nursing informatics, they can:

  • Implement evidence-based strategies to enhance adherence.
  • Advocate for patient-centered interventions using telehealth and mobile health technologies.
  • Influence healthcare policy by presenting data-driven findings to stakeholders (Walden University, LLC, 2018).

Conclusion

The application of data to nursing practice ensures that healthcare professionals can make informed decisions that enhance patient outcomes. By integrating nursing informatics into clinical practice, nurses can address adherence challenges and promote long-term health improvements. Access to real-time data empowers healthcare providers to predict risks, develop personalized interventions, and improve overall patient outcomes.

References

McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2022). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Nagle, L., Sermeus, W., & Junger, A. (2017). Evolving role of the nursing informatics specialist. In J. Murphy, W. Goosen, & P. Weber (Eds.), Forecasting competencies for nurses in the future of connected health (pp. 212-221). IMIA and IOS Press.

Public Health Informatics Institute. (2017). Public health informatics: “Translating†knowledge for health [Video file]. Retrieved fromhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLUygA8HpfoLinks to an external site.

Sweeney, J. (2017). Healthcare informatics. Online Journal of Nursing Informatics, 21(1).

Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (2018). Health informatics and population health: Trends in population health [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

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