Knowledge in Clinical Practice

Interdisciplinary Care
April 29, 2024
Life Span Nursing Considerations
April 29, 2024
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Knowledge in Clinical Practice

Data is defined as raw facts, context-free values or statistics(Dammann, 2019). Data includes the numbers obtained from sources such as measurements, images, simulations, sound recordings, survey results etc. Data in itself has no significance or meaning outside its existence which can be in useable or non-usable form. However, this data can be converted to wisdom through a couple of processes defines below.
Knowledge acquisition involves interacting with data by relaying it for processing by the brain using human senses. When this happens, the brain analyzes it and gives the corresponding responses which is called knowledge processing. Generation and dissemination of knowledge happens when the brain associates the data acquired with sensations, memories and prior knowledge and continually gathers further information via the senses. The cycle of observation, delivering more information, processing this information and storing it as memories solidifies understanding. When an individual who has acquired knowledge shares it with others, dissemination occurs. Through dissemination, one is able to obtain feedback concerning their knowledge acquisition and processing which enables adjustments and advancement in their knowledge base. Finally, wisdom occurs when knowledge affects our lives and that of others using our knowledge(Bangen et al., 2013).
Example of this process in clinical practice is where I learn about how to give intramuscular injections. This is possible from my nursing classes, observing the process being done and reading books. This data is then relayed to my brain for processing and when combined with prior knowledge and experiences results in the best practices for delivering intramuscular injections to patients (Milner, 2016). This comprises knowledge acquisition, processing and generation of apt responses. My understanding is strengthened through continually observing, reading, doing and learning from others. When my understanding is substantial, I have found that I can share this knowledge with other people in the clinical setting. This is knowledge dissemination. Feedback can occur when I receive additional information regarding how I can improve my intramuscular injections procedure and adjust accordingly. Finally, wisdom occurs when my knowledge in giving intramuscular injections has an impact in the overall care delivery process for all stakeholders involved (Curtis et al., 2016).

 

 

References

Bangen, K., Meeks, T., & Jeste, D. (2013). Defining and Assessing Wisdom: A Review of the Literature. The American Journal Of Geriatric Psychiatry21(12), 1254-1266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jagp.2012.11.020

Curtis, K., Fry, M., Shaban, R., & Considine, J. (2016). Translating research findings to clinical nursing practice. Journal Of Clinical Nursing26(5-6), 862-872. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.13586

Dammann, O. (2019). Data, Information, Evidence, and Knowledge: A Proposal for Health Informatics and Data Science. Online Journal Of Public Health Informatics10(3). https://doi.org/10.5210/ojphi.v10i3.9631

Milner, K. (2016). Sharing Your Knowledge. Journal Of Infusion Nursing39(5), 297-305. https://doi.org/10.1097/nan.0000000000000188