Data, Knowledge, Understanding, and Wisdom with Health Information Technology

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Evidenced-based clinical practice approaches health care decision making by using the best relevant evidence available from systematic research with the incorporation of the provider’s clinical expertise and the patient’s values and expectations to decide on the most suitable treatment option (Cochrane Collaboration, 2014). However, it is impossible for an individual provider (physician, nurse practitioner, or registered nurse) to be aware of the all of the latest research findings since present knowledge becomes outdated in a short period. Health information technology (HIT) allows health care providers to make the best possible decisions utilizing clinical decision support (CDS), health information and data, results management, and public health management. However, providers use knowledge, understanding, and wisdom when making clinical decision in addition to HIT technology. Bellinger, et al. (2004) and Thompson (2009) describe the levels data, information, knowledge, and wisdom hierarchy as the following: • Data is raw or a symbol or set of symbols that have minimal independent meaning and information transpires when data becomes pertinent or develops a purpose. • Information requires the processing and understanding of data by placing it into context, categorizing, calculating, correcting, or condensing. • Information transforms into knowledge with the application of data and information by becoming meaningful. • Knowledge is applied with the processing of information and data to answer the “how” questions and is influenced by intelligence and education. Past experiences, judgments, values, and beliefs, which allows the individual to categorize knowledge. • Understanding occurs with the processing of knowledge; ... ... middle of paper ... ...ries of healthcare utilizing CDS, approximately 14 percent of the studies demonstrate improved outcomes. Works Cited Bellinger, G., Castro, D., & Mills, A. (2004). Data, information, knowledge, and wisdom. Retrieved from Mental model musings: www.systems-thinking.org/dikw/dikw.htm Cochrane Collaboration. (2014). Evidenced-based healthcare ans systematic reviews. Retrieved from http://www.cochrane.org/about-us/evidence-based-health-care Garg, A. X., Adhikari, N. K., McDonald, H., Rosas-Arellano, M. P., Beyene, J., Sam, J., & Haynes, R. B. (2005). Effects of computerized clinical decision support systems on pratitioner performance and patients outcomes: A systematic review. Journal of the American Medical Association, 1223-1238. Thompson, T. (2009). Are they all data? Understanding the work of organizational knowledge. Clinical Nurse Specialist, 23(4), 185-186.

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