Discussion

Question 1

Standardized Coding Systems

As a result of the fragmented nature of the health care system, professionals in various specialty areas of medicine have developed their own unique sets of terminology to communicate within that specialty. In the past, limited attention has been given to codifying practices in order for them to be understood and utilized across disciplines or through different information technology systems. The implementation of a federally mandated electronic medical records system, therefore, poses a challenge to nursing professionals and others who must be prepared to utilize standardized codes for the new system. Why are coding standards important for promoting consistent, high-quality care?
According to Rutherford (2008, para. 15), "Improved communication with other nurses, health care professionals, and administrators of the institution in which nurses work is a key benefit of using a standardized nursing language." In this Discussion you consider the reasoning behind and the value of standardized codification.

To prepare:

Review the information in Nursing Informatics: Scope and Standards of Practice. Determine which set of terminologies are appropriate for your specialty or area of expertise.

Reflect on the importance of continuity in terminology and coding systems.

In the article, "Standardized Nursing Language: What Does It Mean for Nursing Practice?" the author recounts a visit to a local hospital to view its implementation of a new coding system. One of the nurses commented to her, "We document our care using standardized nursing languages but we don't fully understand why we do" (Rutherford, 2008, para. 1). Consider how you would inform this nurse (and others like her) of the importance of standardized nursing terminologies.

Reflect on the value of using a standard language in nursing practice. Consider if standardization can be limited to a specialty area or if one standard language is needed across all nursing practice. Then, identify examples of standardization in your own specialty or area of expertise. Conduct additional research using the Walden Library that supports your thoughts on standardization of nursing terminology.
By Day 3

Post an explanation of why nurses need to document care using standardized nursing languages and whether this standardization can be limited to specialty areas or if it should be across all nursing practice. Support your response using specific examples from your own specialty or area of expertise and using at least one additional resource from the Walden Library.

Question 2

Discussion

Theory, Research, and Evidence-Based Practice

As they explore the world around them, young children often want to know the "why" and "how" of the things they observe. This is similar to what researchers do when they approach a new problem. Researchers develop new theories or build on old ones to explain the "why" of the world around them. They use models and conceptual frameworks to help explain "how" the processes and events they observe occur. Together, theories and models provide an understanding of the world and allow researchers to explore it in meaningful ways.
Virtually all research questions can benefit from the use of an existing theory or model. Researchers should consider their research questions and select the most suitable theory or model, which then serves as a foundation for the research design. The selection of a theory or model is an important part of the research process.

In this Discussion, you focus on the role of theory and models in research and evidence-based practice.

To prepare:

Review the information in Chapter 6 of the course text. Focus on the various conceptual theories and models that are currently used in nursing research.

Select one of the theories or models described that is of interest to you.

Using the Walden Library, search for and identify a research article that uses the theory or model you selected.

Reflect on how the theory or model provides structure to the research study described in the article.

Now, think about an issue in your practice area that you would be interested in exploring through research.

Review this week's media presentation and consider strategies for locating and identifying a relevant theory or model for a research study.
By Day 3

Post a summary of the article that you located and explain how the theory or model that you selected was used in the research study. Assess the value of basing research on an established theory or model.