Week 1: Relying on Data
The use of informatics is a critical part of present day’s health practice. There is no denying that we have made tremendous technological development as far as communication between healthcare teams and systems is concerned. To achieve the best outcomes and use data effectively, nurses should be adequately skilled to manage equipment and perform procedures. McGonigle and Mastrian (2017) also emphasized the need for interpersonal skills for appropriate interaction and the ability to observe, collect, analyze and interpret data. Despite the need for accurate, timely, and complete data, cases of improper use of data are widespread in the health practice, and we need to make wise decisions to prevent patient harm. Such a scenario happened a few weeks ago when I resumed work after a brief absence.
In any instance, data exchange between health care providers should be open
and done correctly. Unfortunately, that was not the case after I returned to work. The patient’s orders had changed, and the nurse on duty did not submit the information to the patient’s electronic MAR as required. The nurse went to the doctor with the patient and received new instructions to begin new seizure medication, titrate the current one for a month, and discontinue it. He went further to attribute the new drug to the MAR but failed to modify the current medicines as such situations necessitate. The outcome could have been regrettable if I did not use my nursing judgment as appropriate. I saw the new med on the MAR, and the new drug was at full length when preparing to provide the patient’s routine medication. At this point, I called my mom, who provided me with correct details about the prescription order and drug adjustments. There was a huge gap in data entry that should not occur in team-based care. The nurse neglected his duty to pass information electronically, creating an information barrier.
Click here to ORDER an A++ paper from our MASTERS and DOCTORATE WRITERS: Week 1: Relying on Data
The incident illustrates the possibility of using data that is not timely, accurate, and complete. Such incidents are regrettable and leading causes of medication errors. I have experienced such scenarios when a communication breakdown occurs between health care professionals. I learn from such incidents and continue to use my nursing judgment appropriately to prevent harm associated with not using accurate, timely, and complete data. We must also learn and increase our commitment to communicate electronically as appropriate to optimize patient care.
References
McGonigle,, D., & Mastrian. (2017). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (4th ed.). Jones& Bartlett Learning.