The Application of Data to Problem-Solving
The Application of Data to Problem-Solving
Nursing informatics (NI) is developed on knowledge acquisition, processing, generation and dissemination, nursing practice ethics, information, and computing (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2021). NI aims to promote nursing practice. However, the main challenges facing NI are the lack of proper training and NI competencies and nurses’ perception of using computers in primary care (Luo, 2019). NI allows efficient collection and access to patient data and information, thus promoting positive nursing care, patient safety, and healthcare outcomes (Lee et al., 2019).
My hypothetical scenario in my nursing practice involves a Care Plan for a 48-year-old male with diabetes and hypertension comorbidities and unreported chronic obstructive lung disease. In this case scenario, the 48-year-old male, J.K., is a new patient who was brought to the clinic in a coma. The patient had reported diabetes and hypertension diseases. The patient further complains of having regular dry coughs and sometimes with mucus and shortness of breath, especially after they smoke or do a little exercise. It was identified that the patient was inconsistent with medications or checkups. They have also not observed the recommended diet to manage their situation. After tests, JK is further diagnosed with COLD besides his existing diabetic and hypertensive conditions, thus requiring urgent medical attention. Upon review of the previously requested receipt of the continuum of care profile for JK from the previous health facility, it is clear there are no updated EHRs on the patient. The last update was done a few months ago. The nurse felt no need to update the profile for an inconsistent patient regularly. The lack of this data not only hampers the required action to provide emergency care for JK but also threatens the management of JK’s health conditions. This involves collecting new patient data based on lab tests and observations within the hospital settings and developing a new EHR profile for JK.
References
Lee, S., Jeon, M. Y., & Kim, E. O. (2019). Implementation of Structured Documentation and Standard Nursing Statements: Nurses’ Perceptions in Acute Care Settings. CIN – Computers Informatics Nursing, 37(5), 266–275. https://doi.org/10.1097/CIN.0000000000000510
Luo, S. (2019). Special focus issue on nursing informatics: Challenges of utilizing electronic health records. International Journal of Nursing Sciences, 6(1), 125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnss.2018.11.001
McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. (2021). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=d94XEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=Nursing+Informatics+and+the+foundation+of+knowledge&ots=NjCSBJHwoY&sig=0JSAxN6z3yT4abELDUdFLzCfvos