Running head: NURSING INFORMATICS THEORY - DIKW 1

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1 Running head: NURSING INFORMATICS THEORY - DIKW 1 Nursing Informatics Theory - DIKW Patricia Thomas Thomas Edison State College Nursing Informatics Concepts and Issues NUR-531 Professor Simonds January 20, 2015

2 NURSING INFORMATICS THEORY - DIKW 2 Abstract The purpose of this paper is to explore a theoretical framework that has been developed specifically for nursing informatics. Ramona Nelson built upon an existing framework of Data, Information and Knowledge, to include Wisdom. Wisdom is an important aspect of nursing as nursing relies on evidence, but more importantly, they deal with humans. The wisdom and experience of nurses cannot be understated. This element is critical for successful outcomes. The combination of nursing informatics and the art of nursing is empowering. Key Words: Nursing, Informatics, Wisdom, Knowledge, Information, Data, Theory

3 NURSING INFORMATICS THEORY - DIKW 3 Informatics Theory DIKW Introduction Nursing informatics (NI) is defined by the American Medical Information Association as the science and practice that integrates nursing, its information and knowledge, with management of information and communication technologies to promote the health of people, families, and communities worldwide." ("NI," 2015, p. 1). A few theories have been used as guidelines for the evolving field of NI, one of which is the Data, Information, Knowledge and Wisdom theory (DIKW). In 1989, Graves and Corcoran described the concepts of nursing data, processes and decisions within a theoretical model which was instrumental in showing how research and clinical decision-making can affect patient care ("NI: Scopes and Standards," 2008, p. 115). Their theory incorporated data, knowledge and information. Later, in 1989 Ramona Nelson was instrumental in applying the W Wisdom to DIKW. Wisdom adds an increasing complexity and is defined as the appropriate use of knowledge to manage and solve human problems ("NI: Scopes and Standards," 2008, p. 5). The entire theory is intriguing because it incorporates two strong nursing guidelines: evidenced-based (knowledge) and autonomy (wisdom). The following paper will describe DIKW as well as a short biography on one on the contributing theorists; Ramona Nelson. Biography Ramona Nelson Ramona Nelson obtained her BSN from Duquesne University, a MSN in both nursing and information science and a PhD in education from the University of Pittsburgh. She currently runs her own consulting firm, and prior to that she was a Professor of Nursing and Chair of the Department of Nursing at Slippery Rock University. Her primary areas of interest include informatics education for health professionals, social media and empowered patients and

4 NURSING INFORMATICS THEORY - DIKW 4 application of theoretical concepts in health informatics practice. Past publications include textbooks, monographs, book chapters, journal articles, WWW publications, abstracts and newsletters. Her book (Nelson, R. & Staggers, N (Eds.) (2014) Health Informatics: An Interprofessional Approach. St Louis: Elsevier/Mosby ( received the American Journal of Nursing 2013 Book of the Year Award for Information Technology/Informatics (Linked In, 2015). The Theory Data, Information, Knowledge and Wisdom Data Entities that are described without interpretation and objectively. Information Information that is interpreted, organized and structured. Knowledge Information that is synthesized based on additional information. Wisdom The appropriate use of knowledge to manage and solve problems. The initial works of Graves and Corcoran s (1988), highlighted the concepts of nursing data, decisions and processed into a theoretical model showing the flow of data, information and knowledge, as well as their relationships among the nursing processes. It showed how both research and clinical decision making work together to impact patient care ("NI: Scopes and Standards," 2008, p. 115). Nelson s contribution of Wisdom to the framework was developed out of recognition that as data is transformed into information, and information into knowledge, the levels increase in complexity and require greater application of intellect ("NI: Scopes and Standards," 2008, p. 4). For example, knowledge is knowing all (or most) of the options, and wisdom is the ability to decide which is the best option for the specific circumstance ("NI: Scopes and Standards," 2008). Applicability

5 NURSING INFORMATICS THEORY - DIKW 5 With the increasing use of technology, and real-time data availability, the application of evidenced-based practice is even reliable. All of these processes come together to make this possible. The addition of wisdom is another step that relies upon the nurses training and expertise to make a difference in the outcomes. It is scientific and human at the same time. The technology allows for dependability in information, while the nurses have the ability to make it more genuine.

6 NURSING INFORMATICS THEORY - DIKW 6 References Linked In. (2015). Nursing Informatics. (2015). Retrieved from Nursing informatics: Scope and standards of practice. (2008). In Nursing informatics: Scope and standards of practice. Retrieved from