Summary
Background: Large and readily-available clinical datasets combined with improved computational
resources have permitted the exploration of many new research and clinical questions.
Predictive analytics, especially for adverse events, has surfaced as one promising
application of big data, and although statistical results can be highly accurate,
little is known about how nurses perceive this new information and how they might
act upon it. Objectives: Within the context of recognizing patients at risk for cardiopulmonary arrest, this
study explored the possibility of incorporating predictive analytics into clinical
workflows by identifying nurses’ current information gathering activities and perceptions
of probability-related terms. Methods: We used a qualitative description approach for data collection and analysis in order
to understand participants’ information gathering behaviors and term perceptions in
their own words. We conducted one-on-one interviews and a focus group with a total
of 10 direct care bedside nurses and 8 charge nurses. Results: Participants collected information from many sources that we categorized as: Patient,
Other People, and Technology. The process by which they gathered information was conducted
in an inconsistent order and differed by role. Major themes comprised: (a) attempts
to find information from additional sources during uncertainty, (b) always being prepared
for the worst-case scenario, and (c) the desire to review more detailed predictions.
Use of the words probability, risk, and uncertainty were inconsistent. Conclusions: In an effort to successfully incorporate predictive analytics into clinical workflows,
we have described nurses’ perceived work practices for gathering information related
to clinical deterioration and nurses’ beliefs related to probability-based information.
Findings from our study could guide design and implementation efforts of predictive
analytics in the clinical arena.
Jeffery AD, Kennedy B, Dietrich MS, Mion LC, Novak LL. A Qualitative Exploration of
Nurses’ Information-Gathering Behaviors Prior to Decision Support Tool Design. Appl
Clin Inform 2017; 8: 763–778 https://doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2017-02-RA-0033
Keywords
Qualitative Research - Decision-Making - Computer-Assisted - Nursing
