What is the difference between primary and secondary data?

What is the difference between primary and secondary data?

NUR 630  Topic 6 DQ 1

Data sources are categorized as primary or secondary data. Primary data is the direct description of an occurrence by a person who observed or experienced it. Sources of primary data include observations, experiments, surveys, interview, and questionnaires. On the other hand, secondary data includes any publication written by individuals who were not direct participants or observers in the described event (Gupta & Kaplan, 2020). Secondary data sources include books, scholarly journals, government documents, and periodicals. Secondary data is acquired when statistical methods are used on the primary data. However, data obtained from primary sources are more accurate and reliable than secondary sources.

Data collection is an essential aspect in making improvements and driving CQI. This is because lack of data means that there is no evidence to support that a problem really exists. Primary data obtained during a CQI project can be used to measure processes and outcomes, which are essential for evaluation. It provides answers on whether an identified issue is really a problem and why it needs improvement (Mendlowitz et al., 2020). Through primary data collection and analysis, needs are identified, and goals based on data are created. On the other hand, secondary data drives CQI by providing evidence on the best practices or interventions to employ in the CQI project (Gupta & Kaplan, 2020). Secondary data guides organizations and providers on the best approaches to achieve a particular desired outcome.

Primary data can be used to drive CQI by asking health providers who provide direct patient care, such as nurses and physicians, about the challenges they face in providing quality care. The information they give can be used to identify what the problem is and why it needs to be addressed.  Secondary data from peer-reviewed sources can be used to establish the best approach to address the problem identified from the primary data (Gupta & Kaplan, 2020). It can guide an organization on the steps to improve the quality of care related to the problem.

References

Gupta, M., & Kaplan, H. C. (2020). Measurement for quality improvement: using data to drive change. Journal of Perinatology, 40(6), 962-971. http://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-019-0572-x

Mendlowitz, A., Croxford, R., MacLagan, L., Ritcey, G., & Isaranuwatchai, W. (2020). Usage of primary and administrative data to measure the economic impact of quality improvement projects. BMJ open quality, 9(2), e000712. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjoq-2019-000712

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Primary data is the data collected through the performance of a study (Wienclaw, 2021). This is the data collected directly from the participants or population of the study by the researchers performing the study. It is the originating source of information that is discussed as results of that specific experiment or project.

Secondary data is any data available from someone else’s study (Wienclaw, 2021). This data can be accessed from published materials such as articles and reports or from databases. This data may also be the result of a combination of data from multiple studies, or the reanalysis of information collected during a study.

Primary data, collected from an observation or study can be used to advance CQI by revealing improvement needs within an environment, facility, or practice through the identification of variances in processes and applications. This type of study shows direct results associated with the environment in which the study was performed. The direct collection of information can be used to eliminate variance and advance the practice within the study focus (Johnson& Sollecito, 2020).

Secondary data advances CQI by the identification of best practices through the study and use of evidence-based information. The secondary data sources build on previous studies and multiple related sources to establish evidence on which to modify practice in a way that is beneficial to practitioners and patients. Secondary sources allow for the comparison of data and development of conclusions based on multiple information sources. Secondary data sources also allow for the study and implementation of information that may be difficult, dangerous, or immoral to gather. Retrospective studies and meta-analysis of information allow the use of data gathered without causing risk to gather the information (Wienclaw, 2021).

Johnson, J. K., & Sollecito, W. A. (2020). McLaughlin & Kaluzny’s continuous quality improvement in health care (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

 

Wienclaw, R. A. (2021). Analysis of Secondary Data. Salem Press Encyclopedia.

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Primary data refers to data that is collected firsthand by a researcher while secondary data is obtained from a different source from data collected previously by someone else. Primary data is collected in different ways such as using surveys and questionnaires. Secondary data is obtained from online sources, books, publications, and journal articles. Data help in making interpretations that help in decision-making and continuous improvement. According to Mendlowitz et al. (2020), primary data collected during nurse-patient interviews and interactions improve care and minimize health inefficiencies. Continuous quality improvement in healthcare promotes positive health outcomes and primary data received from patients significantly influence positive changes that help attain favorable health outcomes. To drive CQI requires analysis and interpretation of primary data to come up with relevant solutions that foster positive change.

Secondary source data helps in increasing efficiency by providing guidance that improves the quality of care patients receive. Application of evidence-based practices uses secondary data to apply care plans that are tried and tested in promoting good health. According to Hill et al. (2020), the use of secondary data in driving CQI is key to improving professional performance and promoting positive health results for patients. Reflecting on both primary data and secondary data aids in making quality evaluations that improve the quality of services offered.

The use of questionnaires in making health assessments helps in data collection that guides in offering culturally competent healthcare services. Questionnaires help gather particular information that health providers utilize in formulating care plans that improve health outcomes and the quality of services offered. Improving patient experience and patient satisfaction is key to attaining overall organizational success.

The use of journal articles in continuous quality improvement informs different research findings that give different perspectives on solving a problem. Continuously seeking the best alternatives to consider in improving health outcomes helps health providers also continuously find new ways to solve evolving healthcare needs efficiently.

 

References

Mendlowitz, A., Croxford, R., MacLagan, L., Ritcey, G., & Isaranuwatchai, W. (2020). Usage of primary and administrative data to measure the economic impact of quality improvement projects. BMJ Open Quality, 9(2). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjoq-2019-000712

Hill, J. E., Stephani, M., Sapple, P., & Clegg, A. J. (2020). The effectiveness of continuous quality improvement for developing professional practice and improving health care outcomes: A systematic review. Implementation Science : IS, 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13012-020-0975-2