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Jun 25 10:56pm
Manage Discussion by Angela Stapleton-Burley
Reply from Angela Stapleton-Burley
Hi Everoyne,
One significant benefit of incorporating big data into clinical systems is the enhancement of predictive analytics, which allows providers to proactively identify at-risk populations and intervene before adverse outcomes occur, and this is especially important in the context of chronic disease management, where early detection and timely treatment adjustments can lead to better patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs (Wang et al., 2018). For example, when big data tools are used to analyze large volumes of electronic health records (EHRs) alongside biometric data and socioeconomic factors, patterns can emerge that help predict hospital readmissions in heart failure patients, and by acting on these insights, clinicians can modify care plans and provide targeted follow-up interventions that improve continuity of care (Ristevski & Chen, 2018). As a NP student, I see the potential of these technologies to support our role as patient advocates and proactive care coordinators.
Despite these advantages, a major challenge of using big data in clinical settings is the issue of data privacy and cybersecurity, especially as more healthcare institutions collect and share sensitive health information across interconnected platforms, and unfortunately, the healthcare sector has seen a rise in data breaches that expose patient information to unauthorized parties, which not only violates HIPAA regulations but also undermines public trust (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2022). The more data we collect and store, the greater the risk if there are inadequate safeguards, and these breaches can lead to financial loss, emotional distress for patients, and reputational damage for institutions. Furthermore, the lack of standardization in data governance policies between organizations can open the door to inconsistent practices and vulnerabilities (Shen et al., 2020), creating systemic weaknesses that are difficult to manage once exploited.
To address this challenge, one strategy I have observed during my clinical experiences is the implementation of strong data encryption protocols and multi-factor authentication systems, alongside comprehensive cybersecurity education for healthcare personnel, because technology alone is not enough to protect sensitive data if the people using it are not adequately trained or vigilant.
For example, at one of the hospitals where I completed clinical rotations, quarterly system audits were combined with regular staff workshops focused on identifying phishing emails, securing mobile devices, and properly logging off shared computers. These practices not only increased overall staff awareness but also created a culture of accountability and digital responsibility, which I believe is just as critical as having the right technical tools in place (Ristevski & Chen, 2018).
So with that information, it is clear big data offers immense potential to revolutionize clinical care through improved predictive analytics and population health insights, it also brings significant risks related to data security and privacy that must be addressed thoughtfully and proactively. As future nurse practitioners, we are uniquely positioned to advocate for responsible use of data and patient-centered policies that balance innovation with ethical practice. By supporting comprehensive data protection strategies, both technological and human-centered we can help ensure that big data serves its purpose without compromising the trust and well-being of those we care for.
ASB
References
McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2022).
Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Ristevski, B., & Chen, M. (2018). Big data analytics in medicine and healthcare.
Journal of Integrative Bioinformatics, 15(3), 1–9.
to an external site.
Shen, J., Zhang, C., & Jacobson, K. (2020). Cybersecurity for healthcare: A review of trends, threats, and solutions.
Health Informatics Journal, 26(2), 1179–1190.
to an external site.
Wang, Y., Kung, L., & Byrd, T. A. (2018). Big data analytics: Understanding its capabilities and potential benefits for healthcare organizations.
Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 126, 3–13.
to an external site.
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Jun 25 1:12pm| Last reply Jun 25 3:05pm
Manage Discussion by Jacklyn Nieves
Reply from Jacklyn Nieves
Big Data in Clinical Systems
One significant benefit of using big data in a clinical system is its potential to enhance predictive analytics and population health management. Big data allows for the integration of electronic health records (EHRs), wearable device outputs, medication records, and diagnostic results to create a comprehensive view of patient populations. This enables clinicians and nurse leaders to identify trends, manage chronic conditions more proactively, and predict potential adverse events before they occur. For example, the integration of data from glucose monitors and medication adherence trackers can help predict the likelihood of diabetic emergencies such as hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) and intervene earlier (Glassman, 2017; American Nurses Association, 2017). However, one major challenge of big data in clinical systems is the lack of data standardization and system interoperability. According to Thew (2016), nurse executives often face difficulties when different departments use varying terminologies or time definitions across platforms. This lack of integration leads to inefficient data synthesis, resulting in decision-making delays and burnout among nursing leaders who must manually reconcile conflicting datasets. Without standardized formats and unified taxonomies, even advanced analytics tools may produce misleading or fragmented insights (Dey et al., 2020).
To mitigate this risk, one effective strategy is the implementation of data governance and standardized taxonomies across all clinical departments. Engaging nursing informaticists in the selection and evaluation of health IT systems can ensure that data definitions, units, and structures are harmonized. Furthermore, ongoing collaboration between nurses and EHR vendors can improve usability and ensure that relevant narrative data such as a patient’s story and social context are not lost in checkbox, heavy systems (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2022). Nurse informaticists play a critical role here by bridging clinical knowledge with data science expertise to support both usability and data integrity (Sahu et al., 2022). While big data has transformative potential in improving care quality, safety, and outcomes, its effective implementation requires addressing integration and standardization barriers. By empowering nurse leaders and informaticists to guide data strategies, healthcare organizations can realize the full value of big data for clinical excellence.
References
American Nurses Association. (2017). Using data in nursing practice. American Nurse Today, 12(11), 45–47.
Dey, N., Ashour, A. S., & Balas, V. E. (2020). Big data for healthcare industry 4.0: Applications, challenges, and future perspectives. Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine, 190, 105284.
Glassman, K. S. (2017). Using data in nursing practice. American Nurse Today, 12(11), 45–47.
McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2022). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Sahu, M., Gupta, R., Ambasta, R. K., & Kumar, P. (2022). Artificial intelligence and machine learning in precision medicine: A paradigm shift in big data analysis. Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science, 190(1), 57–100.
Thew, J. (2016, April 19). Big data means big potential, challenges for nurse execs. Health Leaders Media.
