Statistical information uses and applications

¶ … Statistical Information

The role of the modern nurse is changing and as the profession becomes more complex, so the importance of statistical analysis is becoming more evident. As one study on this issue states, "knowledge of statistics is becoming increasingly necessary for nurses and other health care professionals if they are to read research reports, critically appraise the empirical literature and utilize research in their practice" (Practical Statistics for Nursing and Health Care: Description) .

It is also significant to note that Florence Nightingale stressed the importance of statistics in the nursing profession. She argued strongly that "….only by collecting and analyzing pertinent data was it possible to determine the extent to which hospitals and other public institutions were effective in serving those who relied on their help "(Maindonald).

The nursing environment has specific needs and requirements when it comes to statistics. This refers to the types of statistical information and data that is collected and analyzed. The types of information collected for statistical analysis in the nursing environment includes the following.

Data is collected on a regular basis that relates to the information and variables concerned with patients. This can include, for example, data on the age of patients admitted over time and this is used to calculate the average age of the patients in a section or ward. The information has application in terms of nursing protocols as well as for administrative purposes. This information can also be related to time periods; for example, the average number of people examined over a week or a year.

Another variable that can be added to this type of analysis of medication administered to the patients. This also has application for the nurses in terms of treatment programs. Information and data is also gathered with regard to the time period when medication is admitted to patients.

There are numerous other types of statistical data that is collected in order to facilitate better nursing procedures and to create programs for improved and more effective treatment. For example, data is collected about the number of HIV positive patients in the hospital. This information is essentially descriptive in nature.

Descriptive statistics refers to the collecting of selected data to describe or better understand certain situations and aspects; for example, when a questionnaire is used to "…provide a picture of the issue being studied "( Statistics Made Simple). Descriptive statistics differ from inferential statistics which are intended to "…reach conclusions that extend beyond the immediate data alone" ( Statistics Made Simple). For instance, one can infer from data and make deductions about more general conditions. Descriptive types of data require basic analysis techniques, such as calculating the mean, or the percentage. This can be extended by econometric statistical techniques which "…may be applied to see the cause-effect relationships and severity of diseases using the regression and correlation concepts" (What is the importance of statistics in nursing).

There are many other statistical aspects that apply to the common nursing environment. This includes the measurement of mortality rates as well as the percentage of recovery rates and remission times in patients. A useful statistical measurement is the "….findings of which drugs work best with which illnesses" (Maltby, Day and Williams G. 2007). This can have a positive impact on treatment strategies and nursing protocols.

There are however many types of data collection and statistical analysis that are not gathered and analyzed on a regular basis and which are important in improving the role of nurses and research. One perhaps controversial example is the recording and analysis of incidents when a patient dies as a result of small nursing carelessness. This can be an effective method of assessing training problem as well as implementing strategies to deal with recurring problems. Another statistical measure that should be implemented is the use of statistical techniques to measure the side effects of certain drugs and medications given to patients.

Possibly one of the most important statistical aspects that should be applied to modern nursing is the creation of clinical pathways in hospitals. The development of clinical pathways are related to "…attempts to reduce hospital utilization" and "cost-containment initiatives" ( Lagoe, 1998) There are many variables that have to be statistically considered in this regard and statistical analysis of data provides insight into the clinical pathway; for example, an analysis of the variables relating to the hospital population.

While data and information collection processes are important, they are dependent on accurate and dependable analysis techniques to be effective and of use in nursing. While nursing is known as a profession that stresses qualitative aspects, there is an increasing emphasis on the accurate quantitative side of nursing research. In an article entitled Interpretation and use of statistics in nursing research, the authors state that "The ability to interpret and use quantitative findings from nursing research is an essential skill for advanced practice nurses to ensure provision of the best care possible for our patients" (Giuliano and Polanowicz, 2008).