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.
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?
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.
___________________
Scenario: In a large hospital setting, there is a problem with medication errors occurring frequently, leading to patient harm and increased healthcare costs. The nurse leader recognizes the need to address this issue by utilizing data and implementing effective strategies to reduce medication errors.
Data that could be used:
Medication administration records: This data includes information about the medications administered to patients, the time of administration, dosage, and any recorded incidents of errors or adverse events.
Electronic health records (EHR): The EHR contains patient information, including their medical history, current medications, allergies, and lab results. Analyzing this data can help identify potential risk factors contributing to medication errors.
Incident reports: These reports document any medication errors that have occurred, providing details about the circumstances, contributing factors, and the outcome of the error.
Staff workload and staffing levels: Collecting data on nursing staff workload and staffing levels can help determine if high workload or inadequate staffing contributes to medication errors.
Data collection and access:
The medication administration records and incident reports can be accessed through the hospital’s electronic system. The EHR can also be accessed electronically, allowing nurses to review patient information and medication orders. Additionally, the nurse leader can conduct surveys or interviews with nursing staff to collect data on workload and staffing levels.
Knowledge derived from the data:
Analyzing the data can provide insights into the frequency, types, and causes of medication errors. It can help identify patterns and common factors contributing to errors, such as high workload, inadequate staffing, look-alike/sound-alike medications, or insufficient knowledge among staff. This knowledge can guide the development and implementation of targeted interventions to reduce medication errors and improve patient safety.
Clinical reasoning and judgment in knowledge formation:
Nurse leaders would use clinical reasoning and judgment to analyze the data and identify patterns and trends. They would apply their expertise and knowledge to understand the complex factors contributing to medication errors. Through critical thinking, they would recognize the need for system-level changes, such as workflow redesign, education and training programs, improved medication storage and labeling, and enhancing communication among healthcare providers. By involving frontline staff in the analysis and decision-making process, nurse leaders can leverage their collective expertise to develop effective strategies to prevent medication errors and promote a culture of safety.
Overall, the utilization of data in this scenario can provide valuable insights to nurse leaders, enabling them to make informed decisions and implement evidence-based interventions to reduce medication errors and enhance patient outcomes.
