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.
Module 1
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.
Post a description of what your scenario is all about. Explain what data could be used and how it could be gathered and used. What could you learn from that information? How would a nurse leader use clinical reasoning and judgment to learn from this experience?
By Week 1 Day 6
Respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days, asking them questions to help you understand the scenario and how to use the data or giving them other ideas for how to use nursing informatics principles.
*Note: Throughout this program, your fellow students are referred to as colleagues.
REQUIRED READINGS
McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2017). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (4th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Chapter 1, “Nursing Science and the Foundation of Knowledge” (pp. 7–19)
Chapter 2, “Introduction to Information, Information Science, and Information Systems” (pp. 21–33)
Chapter 3, “Computer Science and the Foundation of Knowledge Model” (pp. 35–62)
Nagle, L., Sermeus, W., & Junger, A. (2017). Evolving Role of the Nursing Informatics Specialist. In J. Murphy, W. Goosen, & P. Weber (Eds.), Forecasting Competencies for Nurses in the Future of Connected Health (212-221). Clifton, VA: IMIA and IOS Press. Retrieved from https://serval.unil.ch/resource/serval:BIB_4A0FEA5…
Sweeney, J. (2017). Healthcare informatics. Online Journal of Nursing Informatics, 21(1).
REQUIRED MEDIA
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Health Informatics and Population Health: Trends in Population Health [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author
Accessible player –Downloads–Download Video w/CCDownload AudioDownload Transcript
Credit: Provided courtesy of the Laureate International Network of Universities.
Public Health Informatics Institute. (2017). Public Health Informatics: “translating” knowledge for health [Video file].
