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.
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?
Rubrics
Ø Answers all parts of the discussion question(s) expectations with reflective critical analysis and synthesis of knowledge gained from the course readings for the module and current credible sources.
Ø Supported by at least three current, credible sources.
Ø Written clearly and concisely with no grammatical or spelling errors and fully adheres to current APA manual writing rules and style.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The use of data is becoming increasingly important across different sectors, as it aids in making informed decisions and solving problems. In the field of nursing, informatics plays a crucial role in providing nurses with the appropriate data to make decisions that positively impact patient outcomes. This discussion will focus on a hypothetical scenario within healthcare and how data collection and access can facilitate problem-solving and knowledge formation.
Scenario Description:
In a healthcare organization, there is a growing concern about the rate of medication errors occurring in patients with chronic illnesses. The nursing staff is responsible for administering medications to patients, and this process involves multiple steps, including prescribing, dispensing, and administering the medication. The nursing staff noted that some patients’ medications were dispensed incorrectly, leading to negative patient outcomes.
Data Collection and Access:
To address this issue, the organization can collect data on medication errors, including the type of error, the medication involved, the patient’s condition, and the time and date the error occurred. This data can be collected using incident reports or electronic health records. The data collected will be accessible to the nursing staff and management, allowing them to analyze the information and identify the root cause of these medication errors.
Knowledge Formation:
By examining the collected data, the nursing staff and management can identify patterns and trends in medication errors and develop strategies to prevent future occurrences. They may discover that certain medications or dosages pose a higher risk of errors or that certain nurses consistently commit medication errors. With this knowledge, the organization can develop training programs for nurses to address areas of weakness and implement medication safety protocols to prevent errors in the future.
Nurse Leader’s Clinical Reasoning and Judgment:
In this scenario, a nurse leader would use clinical reasoning and judgment to analyze the data and develop evidence-based solutions that positively impact patient outcomes. They would work collaboratively with the nursing staff and management to implement medication safety protocols and identify training opportunities to improve the overall quality of care. They would also monitor the organization’s progress and adjust protocols as needed to ensure continuous quality improvement.
Conclusion:
The collection and access of data is essential in healthcare organizations to identify and address problems that negatively impact patient outcomes. By using data to inform decision-making, nurse leaders can develop evidence-based solutions that improve the overall quality of care.
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