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

Technological advancements provide enhanced healthcare tools that improve patient health and increase efficiency for clinicians in innovative manners. Nursing informatics is integral to leveraging technology to enhance nursing care and advance nursing science (Hess & Alper, 2024). This discussion will 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?

Scenario—In outpatient dialysis centers, many patients struggle with fluid management and medication adherence. The main goal is to restrict salt intake and limit fluid gains between each dialysis treatment to prevent fluid overload, shortness of breath, hospital readmissions, and other health complications. This is an ongoing problem for patients with chronic kidney disease who need to be managed more closely.

Data collected and accessed—Electronic medical records (EMR) are a secure and accessible way to review patients’ health information, such as history and physicals, labs, medications, chief compliance, treatment sheet, vascular access, progress notes, algorithms, and hospitalizations, which can be accessed electronically or through fax. The data from the patient medical records allows providers to monitor patient care from all aspects, make better decisions, and provide accurate education to patients to improve outcomes.

Knowledge gain-EMR is essential for promoting clinical safety. Nurse leaders can enhance their knowledge by using EMR to emphasize the context of care delivery, safety check audits, and remote consultations. EHR systems could help create the proper care setting for nurses and patients to interact and healthily talk to each other (Forde‐Johnston et al., 2022). This will help promote patient involvement in sharing interventions to limit fluid gains between treatments for chronic kidney disease patients who struggle with fluid gains.

Clinical reasoning and judgment– Integrating the necessary information, experiences, and clinical rationale underpinning professional practice encourages critical thinking. Thinking critically allows nurses to address patient needs while considering individual contexts and preferences and to navigate uncertain situations (Benner, Hughes, & Sutphen, n.d.). As advanced nurses, evaluating alternatives to achieve higher-quality care, provide safety, and promote the best patient outcomes is necessary.

 

References

Benner, P., Hughes, R. G., & Sutphen, M. (n.d.). Clinical reasoning, decision making, and action: Thinking critically and clinically. In Patient Safety and Quality: An Evidence-Based Handbook for Nurses. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2643/

Forde‐Johnston, C., Butcher, D., & Aveyard, H. (2022). An integrative review exploring the impact of Electronic Health Records (EHR) on the quality of nurse-patient interactions and communication. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 79(1), 48–67. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.15484

Hess, S., & Alper, C. (2024). Nursing Informatics: the vital nursing link between technology and patient care. HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine, 5(5). https://doi.org/10.36518/2689-0216.2003

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