Data can be defined as context-free values, statistics or raw facts (Dammann, 2019). These may include numbers gathered from sources such as images, survey results, simulations, measurements etc. Data has no meaning outside the boundaries of its existence but can be transformed to wisdom as described in this paper.

Knowledge acquisition is the process of engaging with data obtained from human senses by transmitting it to the brain for processing. The brain then analyzes this data and gives corresponding responses in a process called knowledge processing. Thereafter, the brain links the data to the appropriate memories, sensations and previous knowledge and continues gathering more information from the senses in what is known as generation and dissemination of knowledge(Eljiz et al., 2020). This cycle aids understanding. When a person who has gone through knowledge acquisition share it with other people, knowledge dissemination occurs. Wisdom happens when knowledge is applied and affects our lives and that of others (Bangen et al., 2013).

In my clinical practice, an example of this process is how I learnt to administer intramuscular injections. Knowledge acquisition is achieved from my nursing classes, reading books and watching the procedure being done. This data is relayed for processing in the brain and together with previous knowledge and experience leads to best practices for administering intramuscular injections (Milner, 2016).Mu comprehension is bolstered via continual observation, research, learning from others and doing it myself. After gaining substantial understanding, I have shared this knowledge with new nurses and discussed it with colleagues. This is the dissemination stage. The feedback that occurs from these discussions is new information that I can use to adjust and improve my intramuscular injection technique. Wisdom finally occurs when my knowledge in this area impacts the overall care delivery process for all stakeholders in the care process (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 Psychiatry, 21(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 Nursing, 26(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 Informatics, 10(3). https://doi.org/10.5210/ojphi.v10i3.9631

Eljiz, K., Greenfield, D., Hogden, A., Taylor, R., Siddiqui, N., Agaliotis, M., & Milosavljevic, M. (2020). Improving knowledge translation for increased engagement and impact in healthcare. BMJ Open Quality, 9(3), e000983. doi: 10.1136/bmjoq-2020-000983

Milner, K. (2016). Sharing Your Knowledge. Journal Of Infusion Nursing, 39(5), 297-305. https://doi.org/10.1097/nan.0000000000000188