Purpose:

The purpose is to define the opportunities to improve practice and outcomes using technology. The interface between a programmer and clinical nurse specialist in design of outcome analyzer results in improved outcome measurement and analysis that allows for real time decision making.

Significance:

Clinical nurse specialist input is of critical importance when designing computer applications that examine outcomes. The knowledge of the literature, of patient care processes, and of outcomes relevant to nursing are provided by the clinical nurse specialist. The collaboration and skill set offered by clinical specialist results in application that can be used to improve practice.

Background/Design:

Clinical nurse specialist participated in the development of computer application that analyzes outcomes. Application allows for rapid decision making/intervention to prevent reoccurrence of negative clinical outcomes.

Methods:

The clinical nurse specialist provides a specific knowledge base that informs programmer of outcomes that are applicable to the practice setting. The clinical specialist is able to recommend ways to display data that can be easily interpreted by the clinician. The ease of review allows for rapid decision making, giving opportunity to reduce risk to patient during a treatment stay.

Findings:

Computer application that displays outcome data whichare customized to the clinical setting is meaningful and is utilized to improve clinical outcomes. Immediate presentation of data allows for rapid action by clinician which supports prevention intervention (as opposed to traditional analysis of aggregated data postdischarge).

Conclusions:

Clinical nurse specialists have unique skill-set, which lends itself to development of computer applications for the clinical setting. Outcome selection, display of outcome data, and real-time data access provide an outcome measurement system that is of value to clinicians. The unique knowledge base of the clinician (knowledge of literature, experience in practice, analytical/problem-solving skill) add a dimension to the design of outcome applications, which is of critical importance.

Implications for Practice:

Rapid access to easily understood meaningful outcome data allows the practitioner to take preventative, individualized interventions early in treatment.