As global health concerns become more complex, the role of healthcare professionals, especially nurses as frontline care providers, grows increasingly vital. Nurses adapt to rapidly changing healthcare environments with unwavering dedication, staying resilient and resourceful while providing high-quality patient care. Meanwhile, technological advancements—such as predictive analytics, mobile robotic systems, artificial intelligence (AI), and telehealth services—are revolutionizing patient care.
In response, the healthcare sector has adjusted by emphasizing IT skills as a core competency of current and future healthcare professionals. As evidence-based practices become the gold standard of care, data literacy is increasingly a differentiator of what separates good health practices from great health practices.
JMP® software plays an important role in this transformation, offering healthcare providers and educators powerful yet intuitive statistical tools that simplify complex data analysis, making it accessible even for those without a statistical background. By offering accessible statistical tools, JMP helps healthcare professionals integrate evidence-based practices into their care, supporting better patient outcomes.
Empowering future healthcare professionals through data literacy and industry collaboration
“IT skills are crucial for preparing future healthcare professionals,” explains Dr Chia Choon Yee, Specialist (Teaching and Learning) and Senior Lecturer at Nanyang Polytechnic’s School of Health and Social Sciences in Singapore. Healthcare providers gather data starting from the initial patient assessment all the way through to the ongoing evaluation of patient outcomes. Given the large volume of healthcare data being generated every day, it is therefore essential for them to have the skills to read and interpret the data effectively. She underscores the importance of data literacy in clinical healthcare: “Understanding statistics empowers nurses to critically evaluate research, make informed decisions, and ultimately improve patient care.”
Dr. Chia, whose research has focused on facilitating students' generation of suitable questions in ill-structured problem-solving contexts, has over 20 years of teaching experience. She expressed that without a solid understanding of statistics, it would be hard to assess the effectiveness of interventions, make justifiable clinical decisions, and ensure that best practices are maintained.
“[It is therefore important to focus on] building future-ready learners by making sure our curriculum stays relevant to the industry while helping them to develop critical problem-solving skills,” she adds. “Over time, we have seen how building [data literacy] skills not only meets the immediate need but also aligns us with our vision of being an institute of higher learning that empowers our learners with in-demand skills to prepare them for the industry.”
Collaboration with industry partners has been another key aspect of the institution’s approach. For example, Nursing students conducted a research study exploring healthy eating habits to uncover demographic trends and behavioral patterns. By applying statistics, the study provided insights that encouraged healthier food choices, contributing to improved well-being and lifestyle changes. Similarly, a research initiative by the Diploma in Oral Health Therapy students explored stress factors and assessed self-reported temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) in Southeast Asian youths. Likewise, students from the Diploma in Social Work conducted a community project to alleviate caregiver stress among parents of children with special needs. Using JMP software, they analyzed survey data to identify effective interventions like mindfulness training and support groups. These projects provided practical solutions and enhanced students' analytical skills and their understanding of community intervention.
“Learning statistics is not just about numbers; it’s about uncovering the insights behind them. Always ask yourself what the numbers truly mean and what story they are telling,”
Dr. Chia Choon Yee
Specialist (Teaching and Learning) and Senior Lecturer, NYP
Transforming healthcare education through technology and innovation
“[It’s important to] keep an open mind and start with small steps, but consistently incorporate technology into your lessons,” Dr. Chia advises. By utilizing JMP's powerful graphics and visualization tools, she has helped students better understand complex concepts and translate data-driven insights into practical applications for real-world healthcare scenarios. This approach has led to noticeable improvements in student engagement and learning outcomes.
Dr. Chia’s innovative teaching methods have been transformative for her students, especially those who once struggled with or disliked statistics. By demystifying the subject and making it engaging, she has left a lasting impression. One student shared, “Dr. Chia went above and beyond to help us understand the use of the JMP application during the statistics segment of the module,” while another remarked, “Her methods of delivery truly made me, someone who previously disliked statistics, achieve a better comprehension of the subject.” Students consistently express their gratitude for her ability to make statistics approachable and foster a genuine appreciation for the subject.
Dr. Chia’s efforts underscore a broader lesson: integrating technology into healthcare education requires patience, persistence, and creativity. “We believe in using creativity to make things better, and that includes embracing new learning tools and methods.” By adopting tools that automate repetitive tasks, students can focus more on interpreting data and developing actionable insights. For example, JMP’s ease of use without requiring coding has enhanced learning outcomes.
“Learning statistics is not just about numbers; it’s about uncovering the insights behind them. Always ask yourself what the numbers truly mean and what story they are telling,” Dr. Chia reflects. This perspective encourages students to see data as a tool for improving patient care and healthcare decisions.
As technology continues to transform education and healthcare, it is essential to focus on empowering nurses with the skills and tools they need to thrive in a dynamic environment. Educators like Dr. Chia are preparing future-ready healthcare professionals by integrating evidence-based practices and fostering a culture of innovation. By doing so, nurses not only remain well-informed but also play a proactive role in advancing healthcare knowledge. They are empowered to establish patient-centered objectives through research, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to patients.