Post a description of the focus of your scenario. Describe the data that could be used and
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.
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?
Expert Answer and Explanation
The Application of Data to Problem-Solving
Description of Scenario
In the hospital, there are many forms of data collection including patients’ demographic information, laboratory tests, prescription drugs, physiologic monitoring data, patient insurance, hospitalization, and hospital administrative functions (Kohl et al., 2017). In my facility, once of the scenarios where data is used in problem-solving is the management of chronic conditions. Patients with chronic diseases come to the hospital often, as they need to have constant checkups and regular medications in order to manage their conditions.
Description of the Data that Could be Used
The data that could be used in my scenario include the number of symptoms that are presented and the time that the symptoms have been seen in the patients. The data can be collected from the patients through the regular laboratory diagnostic procedures, and can be accessed from the records of patients’ medical history.
Knowledge that Might be Derived from the Data
Some of the information that could be derived from the data is new information about the trends in the chronic illnesses. Other information include the resistance of the drugs that are used to manage some of the infections that are associated with the chronic diseases (Zwar et al., 2017).
How a Nurse Leader would Use Clinical Reasoning and Judgment in Knowledge Formation
Nurse leaders can use clinical reasoning and judgment in the formation of knowledge from this experience in many ways. Firstly, they would understand the essence of accuracy in data collection and recording, as making mistakes could lead to numerous negative implications on clinical decisions (Branting, 2017). Also, proper use of clinical data improves on the knowledge of the management of chronic conditions.
References
Branting, L. K. (2017). Data-centric and logic-based models for automated legal problem solving. Artificial Intelligence and Law, 25(1), 5-27.
Kohl, S., Schoenfelder, J., Fügener, A., & Brunner, J. O. (2019). The use of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) in healthcare with a focus on hospitals. Health care management science, 22(2), 245-286.
Zwar, N., Harris, M., Griffiths, R., Roland, M., Dennis, S., Powell Davies, G., & Hasan, I. (2017). A systematic review of chronic disease management.
Alternative Expert Answer and Explanation
Nursing Informatics
To enhance patient safety within a healthcare facility, there are a lot of dynamics that come into play. The number of missed nursing care, the number of patients’ vis-a-vis the care providers, the number of fall rates as a result of design aspects of the facilities, to list a few. These are some of the key features that need to be assessed with a conclusive solution realized to any issues concerning patient safety. However, to assist in the process, collection and assessment of data is vital.
With the evolution of healthcare systems through technology advances, collecting information in a healthcare setup has become simpler (McBride & Tietze, 2018). Using the example above where patient safety is supposed to be bolstered, there are different sets of data that may be of help. For example, data on the number of admissions per unit can be collected and the nursing staff adjusted as per the need of individual units as a result, reducing physical and emotional nurse burnout that may result in poor safety outcomes for the patient.
Another data that can be collected is the number of fall rates and the reason why they occurred in the first place. This data can be used to facilitate changes within the hospital setting to secure better patient safety.
For a nurse leader, the collection of such data is vital, especially in the decision-making process. From the collected information, the nurse leader can decide to allocate more nurses on a case-by-case scenario with an increase in the number of patients in different patient units. A nurse leader can also call for structural changes within the facility to reduce patient fall rates. Therefore, with the use of nursing informatics, a nurse leader should always assess areas for improvement by collecting relevant data that can be used to formulate organizational changes to bolster patient safety (Lee et al., 2017).
References
Lee, T. Y., Sun, G. T., Kou, L. T., & Yeh, M. L. (2017). The use of information technology to enhance patient safety and nursing efficiency. Technology and Health Care, 25(5), 917-928. DOI: 10.3233/THC-170848
McBride, S., & Tietze, M. (2018). Nursing informatics for the advanced practice nurse: patient safety, quality, outcomes, and interprofessionalism. Springer Publishing Company.
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FAQs
How would a nurse leader use clinical reasoning and judgment in the formation of knowledge?
A nurse leader would use clinical reasoning and judgment to form knowledge by applying critical thinking skills and using evidence-based practice to make informed decisions. Clinical reasoning involves a systematic and analytical approach to problem-solving, while clinical judgment involves the ability to make sound decisions based on available data and evidence.
To form knowledge, a nurse leader would first gather information from a variety of sources, such as patient data, research literature, and consultation with other healthcare professionals. They would then use their clinical reasoning skills to analyze the information and develop a plan of action that addresses the patient’s needs and concerns. This plan would be based on evidence-based practice and the nurse leader’s clinical expertise.
In addition to using clinical reasoning and judgment to form knowledge, a nurse leader would also need to continuously evaluate and revise their approach based on new information and patient outcomes. This ongoing process of critical thinking and reflection would help to refine the nurse leader’s knowledge and improve the quality of care they provide.
How do nurses retrieve information in the workplace?
In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, the role of a nurse is dynamic and multifaceted. Nurses are often the backbone of patient care, constantly making critical decisions and providing life-saving services. One of the key aspects of their daily routine is the retrieval of information, a process that is instrumental in ensuring the well-being of their patients. In this article, we will delve into the strategies and methods that nurses employ to retrieve essential information in the fast-paced and high-stress environment of the healthcare workplace.
The Importance of Efficient Information Retrieval
Before we dive into the strategies nurses use to retrieve information in their workplace, it’s essential to understand the critical importance of this task. In healthcare settings, timely and accurate information can be a matter of life or death. Nurses must access a plethora of data ranging from patient records to the latest medical research. The ability to retrieve this information quickly and efficiently is paramount to delivering high-quality care.
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and Their Role
In the digital age of healthcare, Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have become a cornerstone of information retrieval. EHRs are comprehensive digital records that contain a patient’s medical history, diagnoses, treatments, and more. Nurses rely on these EHRs to access vital patient information, enabling them to make informed decisions at the bedside.
Utilizing EHRs for Patient Care
Nurses utilize EHRs to document patient assessments, medications administered, and care plans. This allows for real-time data entry and retrieval, ensuring that all members of the healthcare team are on the same page. With a few clicks, nurses can access a patient’s medical history, allergies, and recent lab results, providing them with crucial information for safe and effective care delivery.
Medical Databases and Research
In addition to patient-specific information, nurses often need to stay updated with the latest medical research and guidelines. Medical databases and research platforms play a vital role in this regard.
Accessing Medical Journals and Research Databases
Nurses frequently use databases like PubMed and clinical guidelines from organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These resources provide evidence-based information that guides clinical practice. By searching for specific keywords or topics, nurses can access the most relevant and up-to-date research to inform their decision-making.
Communication and Collaboration
Nursing is a highly collaborative profession, and effective communication is crucial for information retrieval. Interacting with colleagues, physicians, and other healthcare professionals is an integral part of the process.
Interdisciplinary Team MeetingsNurses participate in interdisciplinary team meetings where they discuss patient cases and treatment plans. These meetings offer a platform for sharing and receiving critical information, enabling nurses to stay informed about changes in patient conditions and treatment strategies.
Continuous Education and Training
To stay at the forefront of healthcare, nurses are committed to lifelong learning and professional development. Continuous education and training are essential for keeping up with the latest advancements in the field.
Attending Workshops and Conferences
Nurses often attend workshops, conferences, and seminars where they can gain valuable insights and access the most current information in their specialty. These events also provide networking opportunities, allowing nurses to connect with experts and peers who can serve as valuable sources of information.
Conclusion
In the fast-paced and high-pressure environment of the healthcare workplace, nurses rely on a multitude of strategies to retrieve vital information. From electronic health records to medical databases, effective communication, and ongoing education, the process of information retrieval is central to providing safe and high-quality patient care.
In a profession where every decision matters, nurses are dedicated to mastering the art of information retrieval, ensuring that they are well-equipped to meet the diverse and complex needs of their patients.
What information do nurses require to make patient care decisions nurses and informatics?
Nurses play a crucial role in patient care decisions, and the information they require is essential to provide safe, effective, and patient-centered care. In the context of modern healthcare, nursing informatics has become increasingly vital. Here, we’ll discuss the key types of information nurses need to make informed patient care decisions and the role of informatics in this process.
1. Patient Health RecordsAccess to comprehensive and up-to-date patient health records is fundamental. These records include:
- Medical History: Understanding a patient’s medical history, including past illnesses, surgeries, and chronic conditions, helps nurses tailor care plans.
- Medications: Knowledge of a patient’s current medications, including dosages and schedules, is crucial to avoid adverse drug interactions.
- Allergies: Awareness of patient allergies is vital to prevent allergic reactions.
- Vital Signs: Current vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature, provide critical data for assessing a patient’s condition.
- Laboratory Results: Nurses need access to recent lab results to monitor changes in a patient’s health.
2. Treatment PlansNurses require information on the patient’s treatment plan, including:
- Medications: Understanding prescribed medications, administration routes, and possible side effects is essential.
- Procedures: Awareness of any scheduled procedures or surgeries is necessary for preparation and post-operative care.
- Therapies: Information about physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other therapeutic interventions is needed to support patient recovery.
3. Physician and Specialist OrdersNurses must be aware of orders and instructions from physicians and specialists. This includes any changes to medication dosages, dietary restrictions, or specific care procedures.
4. Nursing AssessmentsNurses conduct their assessments, which are integral in care decisions. This includes:
- Physical Assessments: Evaluating a patient’s physical condition, such as checking for skin integrity, assessing respiratory status, and examining neurological function.
- Pain Assessments: Accurate pain assessments help determine pain management strategies.
5. Patient Preferences and ValuesUnderstanding a patient’s preferences, values, and cultural considerations is essential for patient-centered care. This information helps nurses tailor care plans that respect individual choices.
6. Nursing Knowledge and ExperienceNursing is not solely reliant on data; nurses also use their expertise and experience to make care decisions. Their clinical judgment plays a crucial role in assessing patients and responding to their unique needs.
The Role of Nursing InformaticsNursing informatics is the integration of nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage and communicate data, information, and knowledge in nursing practice. It plays a significant role in providing nurses with the information they need to make informed decisions:
- Electronic Health Records (EHRs): EHRs provide a centralized platform for storing and accessing patient information. They help ensure that data is readily available, reducing the risk of errors due to missing or outdated information.
- Decision Support Systems: Informatics tools can offer decision support, helping nurses make evidence-based choices in patient care.
- Data Analysis: Informatics can process large datasets to identify trends and potential issues, allowing nurses to proactively address patient needs.
- Communication and Collaboration: Informatics tools facilitate communication between healthcare team members, enabling real-time information sharing.
In conclusion, nurses require a wealth of information to make patient care decisions. This includes access to patient health records, treatment plans, orders, nursing assessments, patient preferences, and their own expertise. Nursing informatics plays a pivotal role in providing nurses with the tools and technology needed to access, manage, and utilize this information effectively, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.
How nursing informatics has affected the nursing profession
Nursing informatics has profoundly impacted the nursing profession in several ways:
- Improved Efficiency: Nursing informatics has streamlined many processes within healthcare settings, allowing nurses to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time providing direct patient care. Electronic health records (EHRs) enable quick access to patient information, reducing the need for manual charting and documentation.
- Enhanced Communication: Informatics tools facilitate communication among healthcare team members, enabling nurses to collaborate more effectively with physicians, therapists, and other professionals. Integrated communication systems ensure that critical information is shared promptly, leading to better patient outcomes.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Nurses can now utilize data analytics to make informed decisions about patient care. By analyzing trends and patterns in patient data, nurses can identify potential issues early, customize care plans, and monitor the effectiveness of interventions more accurately.
- Patient Empowerment: Nursing informatics has empowered patients to take a more active role in managing their health. Patient portals and mobile health apps provide individuals with access to their medical records, educational resources, and tools for self-monitoring, fostering greater engagement and accountability in their care.
- Enhanced Quality of Care: With the help of informatics, nurses can standardize care protocols, track patient outcomes, and identify areas for improvement. By implementing evidence-based practices and utilizing decision support systems, nurses can deliver higher quality care that is both safer and more effective.
- Remote Monitoring and Telehealth: Nursing informatics has facilitated the expansion of telehealth services, allowing nurses to monitor patients remotely and provide virtual consultations. This has been especially valuable in rural areas or for patients with limited mobility, improving access to care and reducing healthcare disparities.
- Continuing Education and Training: Informatics tools support ongoing education and training for nurses, enabling them to stay updated on the latest clinical guidelines, technology advancements, and best practices. Online courses, webinars, and simulation software help nurses develop new skills and adapt to evolving healthcare environments.
Why is data important in nursing informatics?
Data plays a crucial role in nursing informatics for several reasons:
- Clinical Decision Making: Data provides nurses with the information they need to make informed decisions about patient care. By analyzing patient data, nurses can identify trends, assess risk factors, and tailor interventions to meet individual needs.
- Evidence-Based Practice: Nursing informatics relies on data to support evidence-based practice. By collecting and analyzing data on outcomes, nurses can identify best practices, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and continuously improve the quality of care they provide.
- Patient Safety: Accurate and timely data is essential for ensuring patient safety. By maintaining up-to-date records and tracking medication administration, allergies, and vital signs, nurses can prevent errors and adverse events that could harm patients.
- Care Coordination: Data facilitates communication and collaboration among members of the healthcare team. By sharing relevant patient information with physicians, therapists, and other providers, nurses can coordinate care more effectively and ensure continuity across different settings.
- Quality Improvement: Nursing informatics uses data to monitor and improve the quality of care delivered. By tracking key performance indicators, such as infection rates, readmission rates, and patient satisfaction scores, nurses can identify areas for improvement and implement targeted interventions to enhance outcomes.
- Resource Allocation: Data helps nurses optimize resource allocation and workflow management. By analyzing data on patient acuity, staffing levels, and equipment utilization, nurses can allocate resources more efficiently and ensure that patients receive the right care at the right time.
- Research and Education: Data serves as the foundation for nursing research and education. By analyzing large datasets, researchers can identify trends, generate new knowledge, and contribute to the advancement of nursing science. Similarly, educators can use data to develop curricula, assess student performance, and track outcomes in nursing education programs.
