Nursing profession relies heavily on data.

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.

consider a scenario that would benefit from access to data and how such access could facilitate both problem-solving and knowledge formation.

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.

P 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?

Full Answer Section

     
  • Staff data:Training records, experience levels, adherence to hand hygiene protocols, patient assignment patterns.
Data Access:
  • Electronic health records (EHRs) for patient and clinical data.
  • Environmental monitoring systems for temperature, humidity, and air quality.
  • Hand hygiene monitoring systems.
  • Staff training records and electronic timesheets.
Knowledge Formation:
  • Identify patient risk factors for CLABSI (e.g., prematurity, low birth weight, prolonged central line use).
  • Analyze trends in CLABSI occurrences based on environmental factors and staff practices.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of different preventive measures (e.g., hand hygiene interventions, specific cleaning protocols).
  • Identify gaps in staff knowledge or training needs.
Nurse Leader's Role:
  • Clinical Reasoning:Analyze data to understand the complex interplay of factors contributing to CLABSI occurrence.
  • Judgment:Use evidence-based practices and professional expertise to select and implement appropriate interventions.
  • Knowledge Sharing:Communicate findings and recommendations to staff and other stakeholders.
  • Quality Improvement:Monitor outcomes, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and adapt strategies based on new data.
Benefits:
  • Reduced CLABSI rates, improving patient safety and outcomes.
  • Improved staff understanding of infection prevention practices.
  • Enhanced data-driven decision making in the NICU.
  • Contribution to the body of knowledge on CLABSI prevention in NICUs.
 

Sample Answer

 

Scenario: Reducing Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs) in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Focus: This scenario focuses on reducing HAIs in the NICU, specifically targeting central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs).

Data Collection and Access:

  • Patient data: Demographics, medical history, laboratory results, medications, procedures, length of stay, and CLABSI occurrence.
  • Environmental data: Temperature, humidity, air quality, hand hygiene compliance rates, cleaning logs, equipment maintenance records.