NURS 6051S Week 5 Discussion: Big Data Risks and Rewards

Benefits and Challenges of Big Data in Clinical Systems

Big data has the potential to bring about significant advantages when integrated into clinical systems. Wang, Kung, and Byrd (2018) noted that utilizing big data can help identify care patterns and provide a broader perspective for evidence-based clinical practice. This application of big data can greatly benefit clinical settings, particularly in healthcare organizations like Visiting Nurse Associations (VNAs). As previously discussed in Week 1, VNAs can leverage nursing informatics and data analysis to enhance rehospitalization rates. The ability to identify patterns related to rehospitalization rates using clinical systems and big data can lead to improved patient outcomes, benefiting both the patients and the VNA. Moreover, it can have a positive impact on insurance reimbursements, as rehospitalizations and resource utilization during certification periods play a pivotal role in reimbursement determinations.

NURS 6051 Impact of Nursing Informatics on Patient Outcomes and Patient Care Efficiencies Essay

Despite the potential benefits, the use of big data within clinical systems also presents several challenges. Chief nurse executives and healthcare professionals can find themselves overwhelmed with the sheer volume of data, often described as “drowning in data” (Thew, 2016). The pressure to analyze data to not only reduce costs but also deliver evidence-based care for improved patient outcomes can be burdensome. This can result in extensive documentation, unmanageable workflows, and increased financial expenses (Clancy & Reed, n.d.).

To effectively mitigate these challenges, active involvement of nurses is essential. Nurses should participate in pilot programs for new technologies and systems and provide valuable feedback. Being part of the entire process, from technology selection to offering insights for improvement, is crucial. Field clinicians can offer unique perspectives that office staff and upper management may not fully understand. For instance, nurses working in homecare can provide insights into the real challenges of delivering direct patient care using technology. In some cases, nurses like me are actively engaged in pilot teams to evaluate new tools and approaches, such as reviewing admission, resumption of care, and discharge OASIS forms using systems like Corridor. Engaging nurses in the selection and evaluation of technology ensures that the chosen solutions align with the practical needs of patient care and can lead to more successful implementation and outcomes (Glassman, 2017).

In conclusion, while big data holds great promise in improving clinical systems and patient care, it also brings forth significant challenges. Active involvement of nurses in the selection, evaluation, and implementation of technology can play a vital role in mitigating these challenges and ensuring that the benefits of big data are fully realized in clinical practice.

References

Clancy, T. R., & Reed, L. (n.d.). Big Data, Big Challenges Implications for Chief Nurse Executives. JOURNAL OF NURSING ADMINISTRATION, 46(3), 113–115. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1097/NNA.0000000000000307

Glassman, K. S. (2017). Using data in nursing practice. American Nurse Today, 12(11), 45-47. Retrieved from https://www.myamericannurse.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ant11-Data-1030.pdf

Thew, J. (2016). Big data means big potential, challenges for nurse execs. Retrieved from https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/nursing/big-data-means-big-potential-challenges-nurse-execs

Wang, Y., Kung, L., & Byrd, T. A. (2018). Big data analytics: Understanding its capabilities and potential benefits for healthcare organizations. Technological Forecasting & Social Change, 126, 3–13. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2015.12.019 NURS 6051S Week 5 Discussion: Big Data Risks and Rewards.

Discussion: Big Data Risks and Rewards

When you wake in the morning, you may reach for your cell phone to reply to a few text or email messages that you missed overnight. On your drive to work, you may stop to refuel your car. Upon your arrival, you might swipe a key card at the door to gain entrance to the facility. And before finally reaching your workstation, you may stop by the cafeteria to purchase a coffee.

From the moment you wake, you are in fact a data-generation machine. Each use of your phone, every transaction you make using a debit or credit card, even your entrance to your place of work, creates data. It begs the question: How much data do you generate each day? Many studies have been conducted on this, and the numbers are staggering: Estimates suggest that nearly 1 million bytes of data are generated every second for every person on earth NURS 6051S Week 5 Discussion: Big Data Risks and Rewards.

As the volume of data increases, information professionals have looked for ways to use big data—large, complex sets of data that require specialized approaches to use effectively. Big data has the potential for significant rewards—and significant risks—to healthcare. In this Discussion, you will consider these risks and rewards.

To Prepare:

• Review the Resources and reflect on the web article Big Data Means Big Potential, Challenges for Nurse Execs.
• Reflect on your own experience with complex health information access and management and consider potential challenges and risks you may have experienced or observed.

By Day 3 of Week 5

Post a description of at least one potential benefit of using big data as part of a clinical system and explain why. Then, describe at least one potential challenge or risk of using big data as part of a clinical system and explain why. Propose at least one strategy you have experienced, observed, or researched that may effectively mitigate the challenges or risks of using big data you described. Be specific and provide examples.

By Day 6 of Week 5

Respond to at least two of your colleagues* on two different days, by offering one or more additional mitigation strategies or further insight into your colleagues’ assessment of big data opportunities and risks.

Big Data Risks and Rewards

Big data refer to the large data sets that yield considerable facts when evaluated as a fully cohesive data set equaled to the smaller groups of the same data output that is not incorporated. Data is a universal concept of the work of chief nurse executives. The Chief Nurse Executives use the contexts when routinely collecting, storing, processing, and analyzing large amounts of data in the clinical settings.

NURS 6051S Week 5 Discussion: Big Data Risks and Rewards.

Response 1:

The exponential growth of healthcare data, fueled by electronic health records, wearable devices, social media, internet usage, and genomic information, presents both opportunities and challenges in the healthcare industry (Gleason & Dennison Himmelfarb, 2017). While this wealth of information enhances communication among interdisciplinary teams, patient care, and clinical decision-making, it also exerts significant pressure on healthcare professionals and contributes to their documentation workload, potentially leading to burnout.

According to Cureus, over half of American physicians and a third of nurses report experiencing symptoms of burnout (Pittman, 2020). The demand for nurses and physicians to collect and analyze data is a vital job function, but it can be taxing and time-consuming. The extensive documentation requirements often result in reduced patient interaction, leaving healthcare providers feeling unfulfilled. To mitigate burnout, healthcare organizations must prioritize the use of big data and predictive technology. These tools allow organizations to identify areas for improvement in workplace processes, including staffing levels, which can alleviate burnout (Pittman, 2020). Furthermore, healthcare organizations should explore data and technology solutions for measuring nurse competence and satisfaction and evaluating patient education to assess retention and application of healthcare information.

In conclusion, the era of big data in healthcare offers immense potential for improving patient care and clinical decision-making. However, it also presents significant challenges in terms of healthcare provider burnout. By leveraging data-driven solutions, healthcare organizations can optimize their processes, reduce burnout, and ultimately enhance patient care outcomes.

References:

Gleason, K. T., & Dennison Himmelfarb, C. R. (2017). Big Data: Contributions, Limitations, and Implications for Cardiovascular Nurses.

Pittman, M. (2020, December 17). How to Use Data to Decrease Nurse Burnout and Improve Patient Care.

Response 2:

Your discussion post on the association between big data and rehospitalization rates is insightful. It’s worth noting that big data typically refers to large, complex data sets that yield more valuable insights when analyzed as fully integrated sets compared to smaller, fragmented ones (Thew, 2016).

I agree that healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, face considerable pressure in processing and utilizing data, which can be frustrating. The consequences of this pressure can lead to unnecessary increases in medical costs and time for both patients and healthcare providers. To address these challenges, healthcare organizations are actively seeking effective IT tools that can consolidate resources, enhance patient experiences, improve organizational performance, and potentially create new data-driven business models (Wang, Kung, & Byrd, 2018).

In the evolving landscape of healthcare, the strategic utilization of big data is pivotal in optimizing patient care and healthcare operations. Your perspective on the challenges and opportunities presented by big data in the healthcare sector aligns with the broader conversation on harnessing the potential of data-driven healthcare.

References:

Thew, J. (2016, April 19). Big Data Means Big Potential, Challenges for Nurse Execs.

Wang, Y., Kung, L., & Byrd, T. A. (2018, January). Big data analytics: Understanding its capabilities and potential benefits for healthcare organizations.