The graph above depicts the data to wisdom pathway as described by McGonigle, Hunter, Sipes, and Hebda (2014).   When meaning is found in data, it becomes information.  Information then comes knowledge when it is related to other sources or information and utilized to inform actions and decision making.  “Wisdom, the final step on the pathway, is the application of knowledge to appropriate situations by using insight or intuition while being thoughtful, judicious, and practical” (McGonigle et. al, 2014, p. 325)

 

The data to wisdom pathway can be similarly compared to the concept of the knowledge worker who gathers data, uses information, employs knowledge in practice, and generates new knowledge (Kenney & Androwich, 2012 as cited in McGonigle & Mastrian, 2012).

 

The principles and practices of nursing informatics allows nurses to recognize the manner in which raw data facilitates the wisdom required to provide patient care.  Nursing informatics contributes to the progression of nurses through each step of the pathway (McGonigle et. al, 2014).  For example, the electronic health record provides nurses with accessible, accurate, and timely patient data.  The data received by the nurse creates an understanding of the patients’ needs and a plan of care is implemented as identified by those needs.  Standardized nursing terminologies allow for documentation to be analyzed and inform patient care.  The work of a nursing informatics specialist supports safe and effective nursing practice (Kenney & Androwich, 2012, as cited in McGonigle & Mastrian, 2012).