- Explain the concept of a knowledge worker.
- Define and explain nursing informatics and highlight the role of a nurse leader as a knowledge worker.
- Include one slide that visually represents the role of a nurse leader as knowledge worker.
- Your PowerPoint should Include the hypothetical scenario you originally shared in the Discussion Forum. Include your examination of the data that you could use, how the data might be accessed/collected, and what knowledge might be derived from that data. Be sure to incorporate feedback received from your colleagues’ responses.
Application of Data to Problem-Solving
Scenario Focus
In a healthcare organization, there is a noticeable increase in the number of patient falls on one particular unit. This has raised concerns among both staff and management as it poses a risk to patient safety and may lead to adverse outcomes. The goal is to identify contributing factors to the rise in patient falls and implement effective interventions to prevent them.
Data Collection and Access
Relevant data could be collected from various sources to address this issue. Electronic health records (EHRs) would provide information on patient demographics, medical history, medications, and recent interventions (Lehane et al., 2018). Incident reports could be examined to identify patterns or commonalities related to falls. Staff schedules and workload data could be accessed to assess whether staffing levels or staff fatigue contribute to the issue. Additionally, the physical layout of the unit and any environmental factors that may contribute to falls can be documented.
Knowledge Derived
Analyzing the collected data could reveal trends or correlations that contribute to the increase in patient falls. For instance, patterns may emerge related to specific medications, certain patient populations, staffing levels during peak fall times, or environmental hazards. The knowledge derived from this data could guide the development of targeted interventions and strategies to mitigate the risk of falls on the unit (Zhu et al., 2019).
Clinical Reasoning and Judgment
A nurse leader would use clinical reasoning and judgment to interpret the data and form actionable knowledge. They would consider the context of the unit, the individual patient characteristics, and the broader healthcare environment. Clinical reasoning involves synthesizing information, recognizing patterns, and making informed decisions (Zhu et al., 2019). In this scenario, the nurse leader might ask questions such as: What factors are common among patients who experienced falls? Are there specific times of day or shifts when falls are more likely to occur? How can staffing and workflow be optimized to enhance patient safety?
The nurse leader’s judgment would be crucial in prioritizing interventions and implementing changes effectively. They may need to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, involve staff in the decision-making process, and continuously monitor the impact of interventions on patient outcomes. The goal is to use the data to inform evidence-based practices that improve patient safety and enhance the overall quality of care on the unit.
References
Lehane, E., Leahy-Warren, P., O’Riordan, C., Savage, E., Drennan, J., O’Tuathaigh, C., O’Connor, M., Corrigan, M., Burke, F., Hayes, M., Lynch, H., Sahm, L., Heffernan, E., O’Keeffe, E., Blake, C., Horgan, F., & Hegarty, J. (2018). Evidence-based practice education for healthcare professions: An expert view. BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine. Advance online publication. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjebm-2018-111019Links to an external site.
Zhu, R., Han, S., Su, Y., Zhang, C., Yu, Q., & Duan, Z. (2019). The application of big data and the development of nursing science: A discussion paper. International Journal of Nursing Sciences, 6(2), 229-234. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnss.2019.03.001Links to an external site.
