Application of Statistics in Healthcare Essay

Application of Statistics in Healthcare Essay

Interdisciplinary dependence and multisectoral collaboration are vital to healthcare. Healthcare is a sector that cannot stand alone and borrows highly from statistics, education, and technology to enhance success in healthcare activities. The collaboration increases the quality of healthcare and other fields. Statistics is one of the most applied disciplines. Healthcare professionals utilize statistics in all its vital processes, from prevention and health promotion to research, staff education, curative services, and rehabilitation. Vital activities such as quality improvement, staffing, and resource allocation also utilize statistics. This essay explores the interaction between statistics and healthcare and its use in daily activities.

Application of Statistics in Healthcare

Statistics are vital to quality care delivery. Healthcare leaders utilize statistics to perform their daily activities. These activities include performance appraisal, resource allocation and budgeting, staff scheduling, delegation, and quality improvement. Performance appraisal methods utilize numerical methods to convert staff performance using numerical figures for organizational purposes such as promotion, demotion, salary, and other benefits adjustments (Lin et al., 2019). Resource allocation and budget preparation are vital leadership roles that require extensive use of statistics for their successful completion. Nurse leaders assess organizational needs and prepare to allocate resources depending on the urgency and significance of these activities. Staff scheduling and delegation also require the nurse leader to utilize their knowledge of statistics to balance the schedules and ensure staff are evenly distracted and given tasks that require their knowledge, experience, and training (Fowlers et al., 2021).

Statistics’s role in quality improvement projects and delivery of care cannot be underestimated. Healthcare professionals use data to determine the presence, severity, and causes of problems within the healthcare facility. Statistics in quality improvement are useful in pre-implementation research, ongoing assessment, and post-implementation survey. Healthcare leaders use statistics to ascertain an innovative idea’s relevance and environmental conduciveness. They then use statistics to ensure project implementations are according to plan. They collect data and perform surveys which they analyze using statistical methods to determine their relevance and test hypothesis. Lin and Kellough (2019) note that well-curated statistical methods in performance appraisal are vital for bias-free evaluation, talent recognition, and fair workers’ appraisal.

Statistics are useful in evaluating interventions such as healthcare technologies. Kim et al. (2020) note that statistical tests such as chi-square and regression analysis tests are widely used in healthcare to determine the statistical relevance of data in statistics. They help quantify change and thus help do away with retrogressive or ineffective practices hence maintaining quality care delivery. Most desired patient outcomes in quality improvement initiatives, such as self-reported healthcare experiences, mortality, morbidity, and remission, depend on statistics for their successful evaluation. Thus, statistics are vital for quality care delivery and healthcare evaluation.

Statistics are also vital in patient safety. Healthcare dashboards are some technologies that utilize statistical data to promote patient safety (Simsekler & Qazi, 2022). Healthcare institutions and relevant regulatory bodies assess healthcare data and develop benchmarks against which organizations measure their performance in promoting care quality and patient safety. Dashboard metrics include the number of patients with nosocomial infections, older adults with pressure ulcers, and the percentage of older adults who sustain falls. Healthcare institutions evaluate their data against these benchmarks and initiate quality improvement initiatives to promote patient safety (Simsekler & Qazi, 2022). Other uses of data in patient safety are in disaster preparedness. Healthcare institutions collaborate with other sectors and statistically evaluate epidemics and natural disasters to determine the resources needed and plan adequately for the events. Thus, statistics and statistical data are vital in promoting patient safety.

Statistics are also helpful in health promotion and preventive health services. Stewart (2018) notes that statistics are vital in identifying disease patterns and determining the diseases with the greatest need for preventive and promotive health services. For example, the US has a high burden of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease mortality and healthcare costs; hence, there is a nationwide need for preventive and promotive health services in these areas (Benjamin et al., 2019). The disease burden varies with regions, and assessing the immediate community using statistical methods helps professionals determine the areas with the greatest need and thus help implement change as needed. Besides, statistical data is vital in evaluating the effectiveness of these preventive and promotive health interventions in achieving the desired outcomes (Kim et al., 2020). For example, numerous studies conducted and analyzed using statistical methods have behavior change with adequate diabetes control (Bean et al., 2021). Thus, statistical data is indispensable and preventive and promotive health services.

Utilizing Statistical Knowledge in Healthcare

Statistical data collection occurs daily, actively, or inactively. Routine documentation of patients’ diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes is a passive source of statistical data. Healthcare providers collect the data as they interact with patients routinely. It forms the least expensive and continuous source of data. Healthcare institutions also actively research directed to certain objectives such as disease surveillance or QI improvement. The data source is more accurate, reliable, and less cumbersome but more expensive. These data sources are interdependent and provide vital statistical data for healthcare activities.

The healthcare facility’s statistical data helps in day-to-day tasks such as delegation and task allocation. Other vital purposes are care continuity and billing purposes during discharge and transfers. Care providers assess healthcare data in patient management to inform their decisions on further care. Nurses and other healthcare professionals use statistical knowledge to perform dosage calculations, balance stock, and order supplies (Fowler et al., 2021). They use patient data to determine their needs, such as medications and non-medical supplies to meet their needs. Data is collected for legal purposes and also as evidence of care delivered. Occasionally, the institution conducts specific research, such as the evaluation of staff attitude towards new technology or QI, as mentioned earlier. The institution then uses the data to determine further actions, such as staff training or improvement of the QI based on the research results. Healthcare institutions also use their statistical data to seek support from stakeholders. ­Fowler et al. (2021) note that statistical data is a powerful tool for convincing stakeholders and leveraging financial support. Thus, statistical data is utilized in day-to-day healthcare activities and is vital in decision-making in all healthcare institution’s departments.

Conclusion

Statistics are vital in healthcare, and their roles are undisputably vital. Most nursing activities require good decision-making, such as resource allocation, budgeting, staffing, delegation, medication administration, and research. These uses make them vital for promoting leadership roles, quality care delivery, and patient safety. Nurses must thus have a deep understanding of statistics and their roles in health to participate in data collection, analysis, and utilization in improving care quality and patient safety.

ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE

References

Bean, C., Dineen, T., Locke, S. R., Bouvier, B., & Jung, M. E. (2021). An evaluation of the reach and effectiveness of a diabetes prevention behavior change program situated in a community site. Canadian Journal of Diabetes, 45(4), 360-368. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcjd.2020.10.006

Benjamin, E. J., Muntner, P., Alonso, A., Bittencourt, M. S., Callaway, C. W., Carson, A. P., … & American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. (2019). Heart disease and stroke statistics—2019 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 139(10), e56-e528. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000659

Fowler, J., Jarvis, P., & Chevannes, M. (2021). Practical statistics for nursing and health care. John Wiley & Sons.

Kim, M., Mallory, C., & Valerio, T. (2020). Statistics for evidence-based practice in nursing. (3^rd Ed.). Jones & Bartlett Publishers.

Lin, Y. C., & Kellough, J. E. (2019). Performance appraisal problems in the public sector: Examining supervisors’ perceptions. Public Personnel Management, 48(2), 179-202. https://doi.org/10.1177/0091026018801045

Simsekler, M. C. E., & Qazi, A. (2022). Adoption of a data‐driven Bayesian belief network investigating organizational factors that influence patient safety. Risk Analysis, 42(6), 1277-1293. https://doi.org/10.1111/risa.13610

Stewart, A. (2018). Basic statistics and epidemiology: a practical guide. CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781315383286

 

Assessment Traits

Requires Lopeswrite

Assessment Description

Statistical application and the interpretation of data is important in health care. Review the statistical concepts covered in this topic. In a 750-1,000 word paper, discuss the significance of statistical application in health care. Include the following:

1. Describe the application of statistics in health care. Specifically discuss its significance to quality, safety, health promotion, and leadership.
2. Consider your organization or specialty area and how you utilize statistical knowledge. Discuss how you obtain statistical data, how statistical knowledge is used in day-to-day operations and how you apply it or use it in decision making.

Three peer-reviewed, scholarly or professional references are required.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.

REFERENCES MUST BE BETWEEN 2018-2022

ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE

Rubric Criteria

Application of Statistics in Health Care (quality, safety, health promotion, leadershi

 

Application of statistics in health care is described in detail. The significance to quality, safety, health promotion, and leadership is described thoroughly for all criteria. Strong information and rationale is provided to fully illustrate the application of statistics, and its significance, to health care and the specific areas.

Application of Statistical Knowledge to Organization or Specialty Area30 points

Criteria Description

Application of Statistical Knowledge to Organization or Specialty Area

 

Application of statistical knowledge to organization or specialty area is thoroughly discussed. How statistical data are obtained, used in day-to-day operations, or applied in decision making is described in detail. The ability to understand and apply statistical data is clearly demonstrated.

Thesis Development and Purpose

 

Thesis is comprehensive and contains the essence of the paper. Thesis statement makes the purpose of the paper clear.

Argument Logic and Construction

Criteria Description

Argument Logic and Construction

 

Clear and convincing argument presents a persuasive claim in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are authoritative.

Criteria Description

Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use)

 

Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English.

 

Paper Format 

Criteria Description

Paper Format (use of appropriate style for the major and assignment)

 

All format elements are correct.

 

Documentation of Sources

Criteria Description

Documentation of Sources (citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., as appropriate to assignment and style)

 

Sources are completely and correctly documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is free of error.

 

RESSOURCES

Applied Statistics for Health Care

Read Chapter 1 in Applied Statistics for Health Care.

https://www.gcumedia.com/digital-resources/grand-canyon-university/2018/applied-statistics-for-health-care_1e.php

 

Health Topics: Health Statistics

Explore the Health Statistics page of the MedlinePluse website.

https://medlineplus.gov/healthstatistics.html

 

Nominal, Ordinal, Interval Ratio: Examples

Read “Nominal, Ordinal, Interval Ratio: Examples,” by Stephanie (2014), located on the Statistics How To website.

https://www.statisticshowto.datasciencecentral.com/nominal-ordinal-interval-ratio/

 

Data and Statistics

Explore the Data and Statistics page of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

https://www.cdc.gov/datastatistics/index.html

 

Introduction

Read “Introduction,” and watch the associated videos by Lane, Hebl, Osherson, and Zeimer, from Online Statistics Educati

… Read More

http://onlinestatbook.com/2/introduction/introduction.html

 

Evidence-Based Practice for Nursing: Levels of Evidence

Read “Evidence-Based Practice for Nursing: Levels of Evidence,” located on the Northern Virginia Community College website.

https://libguides.nvcc.edu/c.php?g=361218&p=2439383

 

Health

Explore Health page of the United States Census Bureau website.

https://www.census.gov/topics/health.html

 

Quality Data Critical to Healthcare Decision-Making

Read “Quality Data Critical to Healthcare Decision-Making,” by Nicholson and Penney (2004), located on the American Health Inform

… Read More

http://library.ahima.org/doc?oid=106428#.XHmI_KB7mUk

 

Measuring the Quality of Healthcare in the U.S.

Read “Measuring the Quality of Healthcare in the U.S.,” by Claxton, Cox, Gonzales, Kamal, and Levitt (2015), located on the Peter

… Read More

ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE

Measuring the quality of healthcare in the U.S.

 

Fundamentals of Statistics 1: Basic Concepts :: Nominal, Ordinal, Interval and Ratio

Read “Fundamentals of Statistics 1: Basic Concepts :: Nominal, Ordinal, Interval and Ratio,” located on the Usable Stats website.

… Read More

http://www.usablestats.com/lessons/noir

 

Health Statistics

Explore the Health Statistics page of the MedlinePlus website.

https://medlineplus.gov/healthstatistics.html

 

The Visual Learner: Statistics

Refer to the “Visual Learner: Statistics” to learn more about the statistical calculations presented in this topic.

http://lc.gcumedia.com/hlt362v/the-visual-learner/the-visual-learner-v2.1.html