Uses Of Statistical Information

Uses of Statistical Information

Statistical information may be gathered from a multiplicity of sources. Data received is compiled into reports which translate the gathered information into a databank, enabling one to learn from the statistical information received. While the gathering of data is a relatively simple process the usefulness is limited according to what is done with the data. The analysis of the data empowers persons and organizations to facilitate positive changes in their environment, to render effective decisions, amend policies, and direct strategic planning. Health care today is directed by evidenced-based practice, which dictates the type of care provided to the patient.

Statistical information allows the health care environment to provide quality of care and improved scientific studies through evidenced-based practice. The purpose of this paper is to identify the types of statistical information collected in my professional work setting, including data that should be and is not currently being collected, and to discuss the advantages of accurate interpretation of data to improving decision making in my work setting.

Types of Information Collected

At Chambersburg Hospital statistical information is continuously collected. Chambersburg Hospital operates on a totally electronic system allowing for data to be retrieved and merged as necessary. Descriptive and inferential statistics are drawn from the patient database. The data collected involves the hospital as a whole such as infection rates, accident and injury, patient falls, pharmacy errors, allergies, medication errors, surgical errors involving wrong site, length of stay, and even the number of hours worked by volunteers. The information collected for statistical information is quite phenomenal and too many to name individually. Each work area has performance improvement teams that routinely use this data to change, improve, and implement new policies which will render positive outcomes for the patients.

The information received in the data collections are used by each different committees involved with a particular area, such as acquired wounds. The team would look at the data showing how many patients acquired wounds during their stay at the hospital, how many of those patients were already in a compromising condition, which wounds could have been prevented, and which ones are expected to heal without medical intervention. The involvement of the statistical information is used to determine which treatment is indicated, the nutritional status of the patient, the mobility of the patient, and even the perfusion of blood through the body that may relate to the statistical information being collected.

Data Not Collected

Chambersburg Hospital has a risk and quality management department that operates efficiently and in the best interest of the patients. Much of the data collected is required and regulated by the government so there are not many areas in which data is not collected. With infection rates and causes being monitored routinely, one aspect of data not collected is the potential spread of infection from the visitors of the patients in the hospital. For instance, during the influenza season, patients and visitors are strongly encouraged to wash their hands frequently. With all the surfaces touched by the many hands passing through the hospitals, the spread of infections is understandable. It would be interesting to obtain a culture for the lab from random swabs of visitors passing through the doors of the hospital lobby to gauge how prominent community-acquired infections are apparent on the visitors