Nelson’s Data to Wisdom Continuum Model
Conceptual models are important in guiding the decision-making and implementation processes to improve the quality and flow of organizational activities. According to Rahimi et al. (2018), the models help decision-makers in visualizing how the system is and how it should be, permit them to specify the behavior and structure of the system, and provide a structural template that is important in constructing an effective system and forecasting the outcomes or issues. In the healthcare sector, administrators rely on conceptual models to define the needs and processes of the healthcare system. Informatics in the healthcare system provides the structure of collecting, storing, and communicating data in decision making, and thus, it is important for the healthcare system administrators to have a working information system. This paper analyses Nelson’s Data, Information, Knowledge and Wisdom Model and its application in the healthcare system.
Nelson’s model describes the flow and use of data in various stages within an information system and its integration into the system for the quality decision-making process. I chose this conceptual model because it is crucial for nurse administrators to maintain a quality flow of data and information and mediate with different levels of management for level-based decision-making processes. According to Nelson (2020), the model provides four stages of data flow. The first stage is the data stage which involves naming, collecting, and organizing the data. Decisions in the healthcare system rely on research and statistics, and thus the initial stage is collecting the data that can help the management in the decision-making process. The second stage is the information stage which involves processing the raw data and organizing it to generate meaning. The irrelevant and unusable data is disregarded at this stage, focusing on the relevant data. According to Nelson’s model, the filtered information is moved to the next stage of knowledge that involves grouping the interrelated pieces of information for interpretation, understanding, and integration into the decision-making process. The fourth stage of the data to wisdom continuum model is the wisdom stage that involves understanding and compassionately applying the knowledge gained. This is an expert level of information and knowledge management. The model argues that as the levels get high, the level of interaction and interrelationships increase, and the level of complexity. Despite having the various stages of data and information flow and usability, the model posits a constant flux that provides constant interaction among the stages and external environment.
Nursing science involves building a scientific base for healthcare practices, managing quality health, and designing a healthcare system that enhances the functionality of the processes and stakeholders. The building block relies on data collected on health-related processes in designing interventions for a higher quality of healthcare and health. Nurse investigators collect data that is important in the decision-making process. The model relies on computer science since computers are the basic and excellent devices used in creating, collecting, and analyzing data for quality interpretation and decision-making processes. Information systems are required in every stage of data development. Information systems are required for data collection and information analysis processes. Decision-support systems are required in the knowledge stage to analyze and interpret the information. The expert system is a higher-level decision-making information system that helps the experts integrate knowledge, facts, and understanding in making decisions. Experts rely on cognitive science, interweaving with the other building blocks, including computer science, information system, artificial intelligence, and anthropology. Nelson’s model accommodates the important building blocks in the decision-making process for quality nursing practice.
The role of a nurse administrator in the healthcare system is to make sound and informed decisions to improve the healthcare system and reduce healthcare-related issues. The model can be effectively applied in the nursing administrative practice by following the flow of data and information in making decisions. According to Janati et al. (2018), nursing and healthcare administrators should rely on research, experience, and facts in making decisions. I can apply this model at stages 1, 2, and 3. The first stage involves the collection and creation of data. For instance, the institution is focused on improving healthcare quality by acquiring a new EHR system for continuous monitoring of patients and keeping healthcare records electronically. The process starts by collecting data from the nurses on their needs. This will help in coming
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