Running head: NURSING INFORMATICS THEORY - DIKW

Nursing Informatics Theory - DIKW

Patricia Thomas
Thomas Edison State College
Nursing Informatics Concepts and Issues
NUR-531
Professor Simonds
January 20, 2015

NURSING INFORMATICS THEORY - DIKW

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to explore a theoretical framework that has been developed
specifically for nursing informatics. Ramona Nelson built upon an existing framework of Data,
Information and Knowledge, to include Wisdom. Wisdom is an important aspect of nursing as
nursing relies on evidence, but more importantly, they deal with humans. The wisdom and
experience of nurses cannot be understated. This element is critical for successful outcomes. The
combination of nursing informatics and the art of nursing is empowering.
Key Words: Nursing, Informatics, Wisdom, Knowledge, Information, Data, Theory

NURSING INFORMATICS THEORY - DIKW

Informatics Theory DIKW

Introduction
Nursing informatics (NI) is defined by the American Medical Information Association as
the science and practice that integrates nursing, its information and knowledge, with
management of information and communication technologies to promote the health of people,
families, and communities worldwide." ("NI," 2015, p. 1). A few theories have been used as
guidelines for the evolving field of NI, one of which is the Data, Information, Knowledge and
Wisdom theory (DIKW). In 1989, Graves and Corcoran described the concepts of nursing data,
processes and decisions within a theoretical model which was instrumental in showing how
research and clinical decision-making can affect patient care ("NI: Scopes and Standards ," 2008,
p. 115). Their theory incorporated data, knowledge and information. Later, in 1989 Ramona
Nelson was instrumental in applying the W Wisdom to DIKW. Wisdom adds an increasing
complexity and is defined as the appropriate use of knowledge to manage and solve human
problems ("NI: Scopes and Standards," 2008, p. 5). The entire theory is intriguing because it
incorporates two strong nursing guidelines: evidenced-based (knowledge) and autonomy
(wisdom). The following paper will describe DIKW as well as a short biography on one on the
contributing theorists; Ramona Nelson.
Biography Ramona Nelson
Ramona Nelson obtained her BSN from Duquesne University, a MSN in both nursing
and information science and a PhD in education from the University of Pittsburgh. She currently
runs her own consulting firm, and prior to that she was a Professor of Nursing and Chair of the
Department of Nursing at Slippery Rock University. Her primary areas of interest include
informatics education for health professionals, social media and empowered patients and

NURSING INFORMATICS THEORY - DIKW

application of theoretical concepts in health informatics practice. Past publications include

textbooks, monographs, book chapters, journal articles, WWW publications, abstracts and
newsletters. Her book (Nelson, R. & Staggers, N (Eds.) (2014) Health Informatics: An Interprofessional Approach. St Louis: Elsevier/Mosby (http://bitylink.info/DojN)) received the
American Journal of Nursing 2013 Book of the Year Award for Information
Technology/Informatics (Linked In, 2015).
The Theory Data, Information, Knowledge and Wisdom
Data Entities that are described without interpretation and objectively.
Information Information that is interpreted, organized and structured.
Knowledge Information that is synthesized based on additional information.
Wisdom The appropriate use of knowledge to manage and solve problems.
The initial works of Graves and Corcorans (1988), highlighted the concepts of nursing
data, decisions and processed into a theoretical model showing the flow of data, information and
knowledge, as well as their relationships among the nursing processes. It showed how both
research and clinical decision making work together to impact patient care ("NI: Scopes and
Standards," 2008, p. 115). Nelsons contribution of Wisdom to the framework was developed
out of recognition that as data is transformed into information, and information into knowledge,
the levels increase in complexity and require greater application of intellect ("NI: Scopes and
Standards ," 2008, p. 4). For example, knowledge is knowing all (or most) of the options, and
wisdom is the ability to decide which is the best option for the specific circumstance ("NI:
Scopes and Standards," 2008).
Applicability

NURSING INFORMATICS THEORY - DIKW

With the increasing use of technology, and real-time data availability, the application of
evidenced-based practice is even reliable. All of these processes come together to make this
possible. The addition of wisdom is another step that relies upon the nurses training and expertise
to make a difference in the outcomes. It is scientific and human at the same time. The technology
allows for dependability in information, while the nurses have the ability to make it more
genuine.

NURSING INFORMATICS THEORY - DIKW

References
Linked In. (2015). https://www.linkedin.com/pub/ramona-nelson/13/951/73a
Nursing Informatics. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.amia.org/programs/workinggroups/nursing-informatics
Nursing informatics: Scope and standards of practice. (2008). In Nursing informatics: Scope and
standards of practice. Retrieved from