Nursing research is one of the most important components in answering a clinical question through an investigation process. The research or investigation process involves a series of steps that are geared towards identifying suitable evidence that can be utilized in answering the research question. This process requires narrowing down the research topic, which helps in obtaining information that is applied to develop knowledge, which generates wisdom if applied in meaningful ways. In this case, the research process entails the use of a data, information, knowledge and wisdom continuum. This paper examines how nursing informatics through this continuum can be utilized to gain wisdom on a clinical issue in the field of psychiatric nursing.

Clinical Issue and Question

Psychiatric nursing practice entails the provision of comprehensive, patient-centered psychiatric care to patients with psychiatric or mental health problems. This nursing practice is considered as an integral component of the continuum of nursing practice since it entails promoting psychiatric and mental health through assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric and mental health problems (Ballard, 2008). Therefore, there are various issues that psychiatric nurses encounter when dealing with patients with psychiatric disorders and mental health problems. A critical step towards addressing these issues is conducting nursing research through nursing informatics in order to develop evidence-based practice.

An example of a clinical issue in psychiatric nursing practice is whether exercise can be regarded... This is a major issue in psychiatric nursing because depression is a common psychiatric disorder that is linked to compromised quality of life, increased risk for various medical conditions like coronary heart disease, and increased costs of healthcare (Blumenthal, Smith & Hoffman, 2012). The clinical question for this study is, “Is exercise a suitable treatment for depression as compared to medication?” Currently, anti-depressant medications are utilized as the most viable treatments for depression though they are not effective for all patients. As a result, there has been an increased to identify a suitable alternative approach for treatment of depression. In this regard, aerobic exercise has received increased attention as a complementary or alternative approach for treatment of depression.

Using the Data/Information/Knowledge/Wisdom Continuum

The data-information-knowledge-wisdom continuum can be utilized to answer this question through determining the most effective treatment approach for depression.

Data to Information

To obtain data for this clinical question, I will utilize the Walden Library and the Internet, particularly electronic databases. I will conduct searches for articles on this library and the Internet based on the topic. CINAHL and MEDLINE databases will be utilized in conducting the search for articles since they are nursing databases that will provide relevant information to this issue. I will utilize keywords and phrases relating to the topic and limit…