Question  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. The Application of Data to Problem-Solving 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.

The Application of Data to Problem-Solving

In nursing informatics, managing patient falls in healthcare organizations could greatly benefit from data access. Patient falls pose a significant risk to healthcare providers due to the potential for severe injuries and complications. Through data collection and analysis, nursing leaders can improve problem-solving, contribute to knowledge formation, and implement effective fall prevention strategies (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2022). Relevant data for this scenario comprises patient demographics (age, medical history), environmental factors (lighting, flooring), patient mobility, medications, and prior fall incidents. Data collection methods may include electronic health records (EHRs), incident reports, and direct patient assessments (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2022). Access to this information may aid in identifying patterns and risk factors associated with falls.

This data holds the potential for valuable insights. Nurse leaders can identify high-risk groups for falls by analyzing patient demographics and mobility levels. They possess the ability to identify environmental factors that contribute to falls and evaluate the influence of specific medications on patient stability. This knowledge may facilitate targeted interventions, such as modifying patient care plans, adjusting medication regimens, and enhancing environmental safety measures.

Clinical reasoning and judgment are vital in extracting knowledge from this experience. Nurse leaders must utilize their expertise in data interpretation and trend recognition (Anton et al., 2021; Tyne, 2018). They may observe a higher incidence of falls among elderly individuals with specific medical conditions and medication combinations. This observation may inform the creation of customized care plans for these patients. In addition, nurse leaders must collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to devise and execute data-driven fall prevention strategies.

In summary, using data in the context of patient falls showcases the potential of nursing informatics in problem-solving and knowledge acquisition. Access to pertinent data allows nurse leaders to identify risk factors, implement focused interventions, and enhance patient safety. Clinical reasoning and collaboration are vital for transforming data into actionable insights that improve patient care. Nursing leaders are crucial in enhancing patient outcomes and advancing the field’s knowledge.

References

Anton, N., Hornbeck, T., Modlin, S., Haque, M. M., Crites, M., & Yu, D. (2021). Identifying factors that nurses consider in the decision-making process related to patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLOS ONE, 16(7), e0254077. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0254077

McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. (Eds.). (2022). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Publishers.

Tyne, S. (2018). Critical thinking and clinical judgment in novice registered nurses. Walden University ScholarWorks. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=6101&context=dissertations