Differences Between Databases and Datasets Discussion Paper

Datasets and Database

In the modern tech-driven age, data has become a critical tool in almost every field, with healthcare leveraging it for data-driven decisions. According to Batko & Ślęzak (2022), data has been critical in the nursing field, being used to improve patient care, advance patient-based care interventions, and optimize workflows. In the realm of data management and utilization in healthcare, understanding the interlink between data sets, big data, and databases is critical for effectively applying data to benefit the workers and the entire organization toward achieving short and long-term goals. This paper provides a detailed review of the differences between datasets and databases and how each data type is used in nursing professional practice. Differences Between Databases and Datasets Discussion Paper

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Differences Between Databases and Datasets

In terms of their definition, a dataset is regarded as a collection of data points set or organized in a defined format and presented as spreadsheets and tables. According to “Big data” datasets and databases used by researchers. (n.d), they (dataset) are static and represent data at a specified point and time. On the other hand, databases are organized data collections that are stored and accessed electronically and designed to handle large and complex volumes and sets of data. They can either be identified as relational or non-relational. Secondly, in terms of scope and size, datasets are smaller and specific to a defined task or analysis, while databases are large and may comprise dynamic datasets, hence multiple applications. In terms of structure, data sets are simple, such as rows of data representing individual patient records.

On the other hand, databases are highly structured,  and their data relations are well defined, i.e., they may contain different tables and support real-time updates (Batko & Ślęzak, 2022). Regarding their applications, the datasets are effective in areas where a quick idea or visualization may be required. Databases on their end support ongoing operations and, in turn, support decision-making. Differences Between Databases and Datasets Discussion Paper

In a healthcare setting, examples of datasets may include quality improvement projects and research studies. Nurse research may utilize datasets of patient information taken from a clinical trial. Databases may include but are not limited to hospital management systems or electronic health records (EHR). According to Schulte & Bohnet-Joschko (2022), healthcare workers constantly interact with EHR systems, which are databases that provide comprehensive patient information and store medical records and treatment plans.

Regarding the use of datasets and databases in my profession, it is hard to separate the two. This is because several datasets may be combined to make databases; hence, they may be used concurrently. Datasets and databases are inseparable; their use results in operational efficiency and better patient care. One major application in nursing is research. For example, a nurse undertaking research may utilize a specific subset of patient information from an HER database to obtain data for his research (Sutton & Austin, 2019). The ability to obtain a dataset from a database enables the nurse researcher to perform a targeted analysis without complexity or compromising an entire database. On the other hand, a healthcare organization may utilize a designated platform where diverse datasets drawn from different sources and departments are consolidated to produce quality datasets and subsequent databases that are comprehensive for quality improvements and data-driven applications. Differences Between Databases and Datasets Discussion Paper

In conclusion, datasets and databases are greatly interlinked tools regarding big data and its application in healthcare settings. Despite their differences, they are crucial in improving patient care, supporting decision-making research, and ensuring organizational operational efficiency. While datasets offer snapshots of information needed, the databases offer integrated and real-time data management. By correctly utilizing both tools, healthcare workers can make better, informed decisions and improve care outcomes while advocating for patient-based care practices. Professionals in the healthcare sector must understand the use and power of these data-based applications to improve their overall performance. Differences Between Databases and Datasets Discussion Paper

References

Batko, K., & Ślęzak, A. (2022). The use of Big Data Analytics in healthcare. Journal of big data, 9(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40537-021-00553-4

“Big data” datasets and databases used by researchers. (n.d.). Association of Health Care Journalists. Retrieved June 19, 2024, from https://healthjournalism.org/data/big-data-datasets-and-databases-used-by-researchers/

Sutton, J., & Austin, Z. (2019). Qualitative Research: Data Collection, Analysis, and Management. The Canadian journal of hospital pharmacy, 68(3), 226–231. https://doi.org/10.4212/cjhp.v68i3.1456

Schulte, T., & Bohnet-Joschko, S. (2022). How can Big Data Analytics Support People-Centred and Integrated Health Services: A Scoping Review. International journal of integrated care, 22(2), 23. https://doi.org/10.5334/ijic.5543

Post a response explaining the differences between datasets and databases. Explain how you might use each type of data in your professional practice. Be specific and provide examples. Differences Between Databases and Datasets Discussion Paper