Study Notes: Nursing Informatics, Knowledge Work, and Data Application
1. Introduction to Nursing Informatics
Definition: Nursing informatics integrates nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice.
Purpose:
Enhance patient care quality.
Support evidence-based practice.
Improve efficiency in healthcare delivery.
Key Components:
Data: Raw facts (e.g., blood pressure readings).
Information: Organized data (e.g., average blood pressure trends).
Knowledge: Synthesized information applied to decision-making.
Wisdom: Judicious application of knowledge to improve outcomes.
2. Knowledge Work in Healthcare
Definition: Intellectual and analytical tasks performed by healthcare professionals that require critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving.
Examples:
Clinical reasoning in patient care.
Evidence-based decision-making.
Policy development.
Importance:
Transforms data into actionable insights.
Supports continuous quality improvement.
Enhances interdisciplinary collaboration.
3. Data, Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom (DIKW Framework)
Table: DIKW Framework in Nursing
Level Definition Example in Nursing Practice
Data Raw facts Patient’s temperature = 101°F
Information Organized data Trend: fever for 3 days
Knowledge Applied information Possible infection diagnosis
Wisdom Judicious action Initiate antibiotics, monitor closely
4. Hypothetical Scenario: Reducing Hospital Readmissions for Heart Failure Patients
Focus: A hospital unit notices high 30‑day readmission rates for heart failure patients.
Problem: Patients discharged with inadequate follow-up care and poor medication adherence.
Goal: Use informatics to collect, analyze, and apply data to reduce readmissions.
5. Data Collection and Access
Types of Data:
Patient demographics (age, gender, socioeconomic status).
Clinical data (lab results, vital signs, medication lists).
Readmission rates.
Patient-reported outcomes (surveys on adherence, quality of life).
Collection Methods:
Electronic Health Records (EHRs).
Patient monitoring devices (wearables, telehealth).
Surveys and questionnaires.
Pharmacy refill records.
Access:
Secure hospital databases.
Health Information Exchanges (HIEs).
Patient portals.
6. Knowledge Derived from Data
Patterns Identified:
Non-adherence to medications linked to higher readmissions.
Lack of follow-up appointments increases risk.
Socioeconomic barriers (transportation, cost) affect outcomes.
Knowledge Application:
Develop targeted interventions (e.g., medication counseling, telehealth follow-ups).
Implement discharge planning protocols.
Create predictive models to identify high-risk patients.
7. Role of Nurse Leaders in Knowledge Formation
Clinical Reasoning:
Interpret data trends.
Identify root causes of readmissions.
Judgment:
Prioritize interventions based on patient needs.
Balance resource allocation.
Leadership Actions:
Advocate for policy changes (e.g., mandatory follow-up visits).
Train staff in informatics tools.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
8. Informatics Tools Supporting Knowledge Work
Electronic Health Records (EHRs): Centralized patient data.
Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS): Alerts for medication adherence.
Telehealth Platforms: Remote monitoring and follow-up.
Data Analytics Software: Predictive modeling for risk stratification.
9. Ethical and Legal Considerations
Patient Privacy: HIPAA compliance.
Data Security: Encryption, secure access protocols.
Equity: Ensure interventions do not disadvantage vulnerable populations.
10. Practical Outcomes of Informatics in Scenario
Reduced Readmissions: Through targeted interventions.
Improved Patient Satisfaction: Better follow-up and support.
Enhanced Staff Efficiency: Streamlined workflows.
Cost Savings: Lower penalties for readmissions, reduced hospital burden.
11. Reflection
Informatics transforms raw data into actionable knowledge.
Nurse leaders play a pivotal role in applying clinical reasoning to data.
Effective use of informatics improves patient outcomes and organizational performance.
15-Question Quiz
Multiple Choice (Select One Answer)
Nursing informatics integrates:
A) Nursing, computer, and information science
B) Biology, chemistry, and physics
C) Sociology, psychology, and anthropology
D) Law, ethics, and politics
Answer: A
In the DIKW framework, raw facts are:
A) Information
B) Data
C) Knowledge
D) Wisdom
Answer: B
Which is an example of information?
A) Patient’s temperature = 101°F
B) Fever trend for 3 days
C) Diagnosis of infection
D) Initiating antibiotics
Answer: B
Knowledge work in healthcare involves:
A) Filing paperwork
B) Critical thinking and decision-making
C) Cleaning equipment
D) Scheduling appointments
Answer: B
In the scenario, the main problem is:
A) High readmission rates for heart failure patients
B) Lack of EHR systems
C) Poor staff morale
D) Excessive hospital costs
Answer: A
Which data source provides patient-reported outcomes?
A) EHRs
B) Pharmacy records
C) Surveys
D) Lab results
Answer: C
Nurse leaders use clinical reasoning to:
A) Interpret data trends
B) Clean hospital rooms
C) Schedule staff vacations
D) Order supplies
Answer: A
A predictive model in healthcare is used to:
A) Identify high-risk patients
B) Schedule appointments
C) Track staff attendance
D) Manage hospital budgets
Answer: A
Which tool provides alerts for medication adherence?
A) Telehealth platform
B) CDSS
C) EHR
D) Patient portal
Answer: B
Ethical consideration in informatics includes:
A) Patient privacy
B) Staff scheduling
C) Hospital marketing
D) Budget allocation
Answer: A
Data encryption ensures:
A) Patient satisfaction
B) Secure data access
C) Reduced costs
D) Staff efficiency
Answer: B
Which factor increases readmission risk?
A) Medication adherence
B) Lack of follow-up appointments
C) Preventive care
D) Patient education
Answer: B
Nurse leaders advocate for:
A) Policy changes
B) Staff vacations
C) Marketing campaigns
D) Hospital construction
Answer: A
Telehealth platforms support:
A) Remote monitoring and follow-up
B) Staff payroll
C) Hospital construction
D) Marketing strategies
Answer: A
The ultimate goal of informatics in the scenario is:
A) Reduce readmissions
B) Increase hospital costs
C) Limit patient access
D) Reduce staff numbers
Answer: A