1. What is the difference between data, information and knowledge in the context of health care? Provide an example of each. - Data are raw facts or figures that have no meaning by themselves, such as numbers, symbols, words or images. Information is data that has been processed, organized or interpreted to make sense or convey a message, such as a report, a chart, a diagnosis or a prescription. Knowledge is information that has been applied, analyzed, synthesized or evaluated to produce understanding, insight or wisdom, such as a guideline, a protocol, a skill or a judgment. 2. What are the benefits of using information and communication technologies (ICTs) in health care delivery? Name at least three ICTs and explain how they can improve health outcomes, quality of care or patient safety. - Some benefits of using ICTs in health care delivery are: enhancing access to health information and services, especially for remote or underserved populations; facilitating communication and collaboration among health professionals, patients and stakeholders; supporting decision making and problem solving based on evidence and best practices; improving efficiency and productivity of health care processes and systems; reducing errors and risks; and promoting learning and innovation. Some examples of ICTs are: electronic health records (EHRs), which store and share patient data across different settings and providers; telemedicine, which enables remote consultation, diagnosis and treatment using videoconferencing, mobile devices or online platforms; and clinical decision support systems (CDSSs), which provide guidance, alerts or recommendations based on patient data and clinical guidelines. 3. What are the main challenges or barriers to implementing information and knowledge management in health care organizations? Identify at least three challenges or barriers and suggest possible solutions or strategies to overcome them. - Some challenges or barriers to implementing information and knowledge management in health care organizations are: lack of resources, such as funding, infrastructure, equipment or staff; resistance to change, such as fear of losing autonomy, control or privacy; lack of skills, knowledge or competencies, such as computer literacy, data analysis or critical thinking; lack of standards, policies or regulations, such as interoperability, security or ethics; and lack of leadership, support or culture, such as vision, commitment or collaboration. Some possible solutions or strategies to overcome them are: securing adequate resources from internal or external sources; engaging stakeholders in the planning, design and evaluation of information and knowledge management initiatives; providing training, education or mentoring to enhance skills, knowledge or competencies; developing and enforcing standards, policies or regulations that ensure quality, safety and accountability; and fostering leadership, support and culture that encourage innovation, learning and sharing. 4. What are the key principles or components of evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing? Explain how EBP can improve nursing practice and patient outcomes. - EBP is the integration of the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences and values in making decisions about health care. The key principles or components of EBP are: asking a focused clinical question based on a problem or need; searching for relevant and reliable sources of evidence; appraising the quality and validity of the evidence; applying the evidence to the specific situation or context; and evaluating the outcomes and effectiveness of the intervention. EBP can improve nursing