The Application of Data to Problem-Solving

The Application of Data to Problem-Solving

Utilizing healthcare information and applying the knowledge to practice is the basic foundation of nursing (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2021). One area in my nursing practice is the collection of patient data before admission. I work with older patients, and one admission criterion is the collection of patients. The next step is the collection of comprehensive patient history. The data present in patient history include demographic data, past medical history, past diagnosis, current medications, and previous surgeries. This data is collected electronically using electronic medical records. The utilization of electronic medical records is more accurate compared to manual healthcare records (Honavar, 2020). This patient data can be used to make a diagnosis, develop treatment plans, and evaluate patient outcomes.

Using this data, one can be aware of patients’ adverse reactions to medications. Adverse reactions can cause distress to many patients. Nurses can be aware of any allergies that patients might have to certain medications. This knowledge can help nurses discontinue certain medications and change treatment plans to ensure that patients receive effective and safe care. A nurse leader could use data from patient medical records to determine the frequency of adverse drug reactions. This data would help the nurse leader implement interventions that will ensure that patients are protected from the adverse drug reactions of medications. In addition, nurses can use clinical judgment to determine the thoroughness of nurses collecting patients’ information during admission. With this knowledge, nurse leaders can implement educational interventions to educate nurses on the importance of comprehensive history-taking to ensure safe and quality healthcare services.

In conclusion, data is essential in healthcare. Nurse leaders should be competent to collect and utilize healthcare data to improve the quality of healthcare services.

References

Honavar, S. (2020). Electronic medical records – The good, the bad, and the ugly. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, 68(3), 417. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijo.ijo_278_20

McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. (2021). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.

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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 data 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?