NURS 6051 week 1 Discussion: The Application of Data to Problem-Solving
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?
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.
The scenario that comes to mind about informatics, is the journey to achieve our certificate in Joint Center for Excellence, through the Joint Commission. We are a very orthopedic driven unit, having 14 orthopedic surgeons on top of our other specialty surgeons has brought about the need expand our knowledge regarding sending total knees and hips home the same day and patient satisfaction. During this time data that was collected through our EMR as well as data that is required by JAHCO has been at the forefront for our unit achieving this certificate. According to Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge, “for information to be valuable, it must be accessible, accurate, timely, complete, cost-effective, flexible, reliable, relevant, simple, verifiable, and secure.” (McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G., 2017). This holds true to the data that has been collected to ensure we achieve the certificate. We currently are ensuring that every total knee and hip replacement is participating in a joint class that prepares those having the joint replacement and those that will be helping to care for those patients what to expect. These patients are also required to go through pre-anesthesia testing at our PAT clinic. This ensure that the correct clearance is achieved to have surgery. According to Joint Commission the goal of the Joint Center of Excellence certificate is to “designation for excellence in the care of orthopedic patients, creates a loyal, cohesive clinical team, assists organizations in establishing a consistent approach to care, reducing variation and the risk of error, demonstrates commitment to a higher standard of clinical service, provides a framework to improve patient outcomes.”(Advanced Orthopedic) This along with other forms of data are being collected and used to ensure the patient is going home safely and satisfied in their care.
I am currently part of two groups that are working towards this certificate, one is post-operative infections with those that are discharged same day and the second group is to ensure the patient has their walkers and any other items, education, and services that might be needed to ensure the patient is going home safely and has the care that is needed for success. My manager is the nurse leader for both groups and being able to pull data from our EMR, as well as any other documented data that could be used to better these processes is what nursing informatics is all about.
In conclusion data involved in this are going to achieve better outcomes for the patients and the nurses in the long run.
Andrea
McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2017). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (4th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
“Advanced Orthopedic.” The Joint Commission, www.jointcommission.org/accreditation-and-certification/certification/certifications-by-setting/hospital-certifications/orthopedic-certification/advanced-orthopedic/.
