Learning Activity 1: A Practice Application Of The Conceptual Framework For The Study Of Nursing Knowledge Essays Example

Background

The following paper utilizes Graves & Corcoran model in studying nursing knowledge on the issue of depression screening in a clinical practice. Nursing informatics play a significant role in improving the quality of healthcare services by incorporating modern technologies into nursing practice. Graves & Corcoran model provides a framework for study of nursing knowledge. The main components of this model are data, information, knowledge and wisdom. Using this model, the paper will provide an outline for studying depression screening among vulnerable populations and the impact of nursing informatics on nursing practice.

Introduction

The conceptual framework for study of nursing practice focuses on four major concepts, data, information, knowledge and wisdom. Electronic Medical Records (EMR) has been used to correct patient’s raw data and transform it into information in the healthcare databases. The information presented to the database assists in identifying the relationship that gives medical professionals knowledge of the patient’s health status (Graves & Corcoran, 1989). Vulnerable populations are at higher risks of suffering from chronic diseases such as depression and presence of a nursing informatics framework would play a major role in detecting these conditions before they become worse. The implementation of depression screening (PHQ-9) to patients forms one of the best innovations to cope with the issue of depression. The conceptual framework for nursing practice helps in full implementation of the program. Additionally, Graves and Corcoran’s model plays a major role in understanding the aspects of nursing informatics and putting them into practice when solving a nursing problem.

The clinical case

The Metrocare Services in Dallas has reported many cases of depression. Health care professionals undergo long processes before realizing a patient suffers from depression. Nursing informatics has helped in developing a depression screening technology that uses mobile gadgets.
Jane, a 70 years old mother of three visits Metrocare Services Hospital for normal checkups. Jane is 1.2 m tall, weighing 66 Kilograms (KGs). In the first checkup, Jane undertakes a diagnostic depression using lab test. The doctor asked the patients specific questions and conducts a physical exam in order to detect whether the patient suffers from depression. Blood samples were taken to test for any symptoms of anemia and determine calcium levels. Additionally, a CT scan is done to test some illnesses such as brain tumor, and Electrocardiogram (ECG) used to diagnose heart problems. All these procedures and tests took the whole day to complete, and Jane had to book a second appointment in order to collect results and get advised accordingly.
On the second visit, Jane was surprised to discover that all the tests done gave negative results, but she still had signs of depression. The doctor subjected her to depression screening tests. A two-part questionnaire was administered to the patient. The answers that Jane gave indicated possible signs of depression and the doctor progressed to the use of depression screening instruments, the Patient Health Questionnare-9 (PHQ-9). Metrocare Services had introduced a new technology for screening depression using PHQ-9. The program uses mobile technology to collect patient’s data and analyze it. The patient received results a few seconds after responding to the last question and pressing the process button. Jane was taken through the working of the program and the tests done. The results indicated that Jane suffered a major depressive disorder.
Figure 1: Graves Corcoran model {data-information-knowledge-wisdom}

The model

Graves & Corcoran model finds major application in Jane’s case as shown in figure 1. The model in figure 1 demonstrates an evaluation of how a doctor perceives patient’s information during the screening for depression process. Nursing informatics play an essential role in the overall evaluation of information offered by the patient through the healthcare’s database. According to McGonigle & Mastrian (2015), nursing informatics uses technology to collect, store, process, display, and communicates information to a clinical officer in a timely manner. Firstly, patient’s data is taken. The data taken include patient’s date of birth, which signifies age, height in meters, and weight in KGs. The age of the patient indicates the possibility of suffering from depression. Depression affects older adults 65 years and above. The data is fed into the hospital data base and transformed into information in the second stage. The clinical collects the patient’s information involving the blood pressure, heart rate, and any other information acquired from the PHQ-9 questionnaire. The PHQ-9 information is collected using a mobile device and transferred to patient’s EMR on the clinician’s screen.
The system uses medical knowledge to determine whether the patient suffers from depression. The information recorded on the screen is transmitted to the system’s operating system where software runs it and produces results. Additionally, the nurse practitioner uses medical wisdom to evaluate the results achieved and offer the necessary advice to the patient.

Summary and conclusion

Health care professionals exchange patients’ information during transfers or referrals. The process is referred to patient care handoffs. Patient care handoffs form an important aspect of health care practice that ensures consistent and patient care. The component plays a major role in eliminating major errors and ensuring medical practitioners have adequate knowledge on a patient’s health condition before prescribing any medication (Matney, Maddox and Staggers, 2013). In order to effectively apply Graves & Corcoran model, patient data plays a significant role. The following case study demonstrates how Graves & Corcoran model is put into action.

References

Graves, J. R., & Corcoran, S. (1989). The Study of Nursing Informatics. 21(4), 227-231
Matney, S. A., Maddox, L. J., and Staggers, N. (2013). Nurses as knowledge workers: Is there
Evidence of knowledge in patient handoffs? Western Journal of Nursing Research, 36(2), 171-190.
McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. (2014). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge, Jones & Bartlett Learning.