1. In this week’s discussion I was able to learn about the importance of relating statistical information to document and improve health outcomes.
Statistics relates to collecting information, analyzing the obtained data to establish numerical conclusions (interpreting) and transfer numerical data (Zach, 2022). Researchers have found that many nurses do not involve in reading, studying and analyzing research, as they find them complex, time consuming and also because the research have data meanings that some professionals are not able to fully understand (Aggarwal, 2018). However, the reality is the opposite, as it is very important that nurses get involved in quantitative research, including the statistical data. According to Zach, 2022, Statistical understanding and use in nursing is important because:Statistics can let nurses understand and analyze different terms that these kind of research show, such as media and median data, percentages, percentiles, p number, sensitivity, specificity etc. Understanding of these terms is crucial, as if the concept is not clear for the reader, there is no way to accurately understand and analyze the numerical data shown in the research.Statistical findings interpretation is important, as this is the way nurse professionals can decide to apply this proposal to their guidelines in order to improve patients’ outcomes. Same way, by understanding and interpreting the statistical findings, the nurse would be able to explain this information to patients and their families.Statistical research understanding can also be interpreted by analyzing the odds ratios, which is the potential risks that a patients can show, compared with a control study that is not being exposed to a given situation analyzed in a research.
In everyday practice, healthcare providers are exposed to statistics. For example, whenever we assess a patient that has a health complaint, the way to find possible diagnosis orientation is related to statistics. The first diagnosis we can think about in first terms are the most common ones, which is statistic related. Then, the next step, which is confirming or ruling out a diagnosis, is to indicate laboratory or complimentary diagnosis tests. The ones we would indicate should be the ones we know that have been proven to show higher specificity rates. Once we have got a diagnosis, even the interventions and treatments are decided from the knowledge obtained by statistical analysis that we used to introduce a given practice to our guidelines. And then, the healthcare providers should always be up to date in the latest research to keep improving and getting better patients’ outcomes.
2. Understanding the fundamentals of nursing from its foundations, development, and subsequent performance of the profession, statistics have been indispensable in decision-making within what is known in nursing as evidence-based practice. We know that statistical aid in how data is collected and interpreted, analyzing it in a positive or negative way, is essential for the profession in decision-making always aimed at our patients
One of the benefits from statistics in the daily practice of nursing gives us the advantage of how to use the study results, interpret data found and how to apply in the medical field to be used and applied to our patients. These investigative studies guide and provide much information within the parameters of validity, reliability, always based on evidence and previous experience. Relating these results to the clinic and preferences of our patients is crucial for future decision-making. Grove, S. K., & Cipher, D. J. (2019).
Consequently, the use of statistics in nursing has taken an important turn in terms of professionally taken improvements to obtain adequate healthcare and obtain information on strengths and weaknesses applicable to the patient for better results. An example could be the use of charts and data control that gives us valuable information to modify or improve applicable treatments and make the best decisions focused on the patient’s well-being (American Nurses Association, 2019).
It is noteworthy that over time, advances have been made through statistical research widely used in nursing, allowing visionary nurses to promote improvements in the individualized care of our patients and their health benefits. Statistical analysis, interpretation of data, and evidence-based experiences are significant for practicing the profession. We can also note that monitoring laboratories, vital signs, response to medications, behavior patterns, among others, can be of great importance in individual management, or with studied general patterns, we can compare and provide the best care. We can also identify any early alterations within the patterns and anticipate their timely attention. Grove, S. K., & Cipher, D. J. (2019).
Finally, it is worth mentioning that within the nursing profession, the everyday use of statistics has maintained a close and strict evaluation of the guidelines and development of the profession, always oriented towards improving patient-centered treatments. The nurse’s knowledge in this area is essential to understand and analyze the benefits and improvements applicable to the health and well-being of our patients.
