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Assignment questions
Health Information ManagementResearch paperHealth informatics

DNP 805: EHR database design and data management

The structured-versus-unstructured question is the technical heart of this paper, and it is only interesting if your chosen problem has both — a lab value your database can query, and a nursing note it cannot.

Editorial process

Last reviewed · August 15, 2026

01

Structured against unstructured is the technical core

Choose the clinical problem for its data rather than for its clinical importance, because the paper is a data-management exercise. The best choices generate both kinds of data: pressure injury prevention, sepsis recognition, readmission risk and falls all have structured elements — Braden scores, vital signs, laboratory values, coded diagnoses, timestamps — and unstructured ones, which are the nursing notes, the wound descriptions and the handover narratives where most of the clinical judgement actually lives. That contrast is what makes the structured-versus-unstructured requirement answerable rather than a definition. Structured data is stored in defined fields with constrained values, so it can be queried, aggregated and trended directly. Unstructured data is free text, images or scanned documents, and a database cannot act on it without natural language processing or somebody re-entering it — which is a cost, not a detail, and naming that cost is part of what the classification is for.

Then build the paper around what the data would let you do. Identify the specific elements you would need, say where each lives in the EHR and who enters it, and be honest about quality: a field that exists is not a field that is reliably completed, and a risk score entered once on admission cannot support a trend. That observation is worth more than a longer list of elements. For the design half, cover what you would store, how it relates, and what the query must answer — the design serves an output, so name the output first. Then the outcome connection: data alone changes nothing, while data reaching a clinician at a moment when a decision is open changes something, and naming that moment is what turns the paper into an argument for the database rather than a description of one. Keep the whole thing to 1,000-1,250 words, which is tight for five requirements.

Likely learning objectives

Inferred from the brief — check these against your own rubric.

  • 01
    Select a clinical problem whose data supports a database management approach.
  • 02
    Distinguish structured from unstructured data by what a system can act on.
  • 03
    Assess data quality as distinct from data availability.
  • 04
    Trace a chain from managed data to a changed clinical decision.
Assignment instructionsQuoted verbatim

Read the full question

Review every instruction before using the planning guidance that follows.

Details As a DNP-prepared nurse, you may be called upon to assist in the design of a clinical database for your organization. This assignment requires you to integrate a clinical problem with data technologies to better understand the components as well as how those components can lead to better clinical outcomes. Directions: For this assignment, write a 1,000-1,250 word paper in which you: Select a clinically-based patient problem in which using a database management approach provides clear benefit potential. Identify the data needed to manage this patient problem using information from the electronic health record (EHR). Include a brief description of the patient problem which incorporates information needed to manage the specific problem. Identifies whether the EHR-supplied data is structured or unstructured with an explanation as to why. Provide a complete description of the structured and unstructured data from the EHR that are needed to organize a hypothetical database. Provide a complete description of data relationships that apply to the hypothetical database. General Guidelines: Use the following information to ensure successful completion of the assignment: This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion. DNP 805 Assignment EHR Database and Data Management Doctoral learners are required to use APA style for their writing assignments. The APA Style Guide is located in the Student Success Center. This assignment requires that at least two additional scholarly research sources related to this topic, and at least one in-text citation from each source be included. You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin. Refer to the directions in the Student Success Center. Portfolio Practice Hours: It may be possible to earn portfolio practice hours for this case report. Enter the following after the references section of your paper: Practice Hours Completion Statement DNP-805 I, (INSERT NAME), verify that I have completed (NUMBER OF) clock hours in association with the goals and objectives for this assignment. I have also tracked said practice hours in the Typhon Student Tracking System for verification purposes and will be sure that all approvals are in place from my faculty and practice mentor. Rubric Criteria Total100 points Criterion 1. Unsatisfactory 2. Less Than Satisfactory 3. Satisfactory 4. Good 5. Excellent Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use) Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use) 0 points Surface errors are pervasive enough that they impede communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice or sentence construction is used. 4 points Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader. Inconsistencies in language choice (register) or word choice are present. Sentence structure is correct but not varied. 4.4 points Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but they are not overly distracting to the reader. Correct and varied sentence structure and audience-appropriate language are employed. 4.6 points Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may be present. The writer uses a variety of effective sentence structures and figures of speech. 5 points Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English. Patient Problem Description Incorporates Information Needed to Manage the Problem Patient Problem Description Incorporates Information Needed to Manage the Problem 0 points Patient problem description that incorporates information needed to manage the problem is not present. 12 points Patient problem description that incorporates information needed to manage the problem is marginal or incomplete. 13.2 points Patient problem description that incorporates information needed to manage the problem is present but at a perfunctory level. 13.8 points Patient problem description that incorporates information needed to manage the problem is present in full. Discussion is convincing and defines specific elements. Information presented is from scholarly though dated sources. 15 points Patient problem description that incorporates information needed to manage the problem is present in full. Discussion is convincing and defines specific elements. Discussion is insightful and forward-thinking. Information presented is from current scholarly sources. Documentation of Sources Documentation of Sources (citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., as appropriate to assignment and style) 0 points Sources are not documented. 4 points Documentation of sources is inconsistent or incorrect, as appropriate to assignment and style, with numerous formatting errors. 4.4 points Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, although some formatting errors may be present. 4.6 points Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is mostly correct. 5 points Sources are completely and correctly documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is free of error. Thesis Development and Purpose Thesis Development and Purpose 0 points Paper lacks any discernible overall purpose or organizing claim. 5.6 points Thesis is insufficiently developed or vague. Purpose is not clear. 6.16 points Thesis is apparent and appropriate to purpose. 6.44 points Thesis is clear and forecasts the development of the paper. Thesis is descriptive and reflective of the arguments and appropriate to the purpose. 7 points Thesis is comprehensive and contains the essence of the paper. Thesis statement makes the purpose of the paper clear. Identification of EHR-Supplied Data as Structured or Unstructured With Explanation Identification of EHR-Supplied Data as Structured or Unstructured With Explanation 0 points Identification of EHR-supplied data as structured or unstructured with an explanation is not present. 8 points Identification of EHR-supplied data as structured or unstructured is present with or without an explanation but is marginal or incomplete. 8.8 points Identification of EHR-supplied data as structured or unstructured is present with an explanation but is rendered at a perfunctory level. 9.2 points Identification of EHR-supplied data as structured or unstructured is present with a thorough explanation. Information presented is from scholarly though dated sources. 10 points Identification of EHR-supplied data as structured or unstructured is present with a thorough explanation. Discussion is insightful and forward-thinking. Information presented is from current scholarly sources. Argument Logic and Construction Argument Logic and Construction 0 points Statement of purpose is not justified by the conclusion. The conclusion does not support the claim made. Argument is incoherent and uses noncredible sources. 6.4 points Sufficient justification of claims is lacking. Argument lacks consistent unity. There are obvious flaws in the logic. Some sources have questionable credibility. 7.04 points Argument is orderly, but may have a few inconsistencies. The argument presents minimal justification of claims. Argument logically, but not thoroughly, supports the purpose. Sources used are credible. Introduction and conclusion bracket the thesis. 7.36 points Argument shows logical progressions. Techniques of argumentation are evident. There is a smooth progression of claims from introduction to conclusion. Most sources are authoritative. 8 points Clear and convincing argument that presents a persuasive claim in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are authoritative. Paper Format (Use of appropriate style for the major and assignment) Paper Format (Use of appropriate style for the major and assignment) 0 points Template is not used appropriately or documentation format is rarely followed correctly. 4 points Template is used, but some elements are missing or mistaken; lack of control with formatting is apparent. 4.4 points Template is used, and formatting is correct, although some minor errors may be present. 4.6 points Template is fully used; There are virtually no errors in formatting style. 5 points All format elements are correct. Data Relationships That Apply to the Hypothetical Database Data Relationships That Apply to the Hypothetical Database 0 points Data relationships that apply to the hypothetical database are not described. 12 points Data relationships that apply to the hypothetical database are described, but description is marginal or incomplete. 13.2 points Data relationships that apply to the hypothetical database are described, but description is rendered at a perfunctory level. 13.8 points Data relationships that apply to the hypothetical database are not described in full. Discussion is convincing and defines specific elements. Information presented is from scholarly though dated sources. 15 points Data relationships that apply to the hypothetical database are not described in full. Discussion is convincing and defines specific elements. Discussion is insightful and forward-thinking. Information presented is from current scholarly sources. Structured and Unstructured Data From the EHR That Are Needed to Organize a Hypothetical Database Structured and Unstructured Data From the EHR That Are Needed to Organize a Hypothetical Database 0 points Structured and unstructured data from the EHR needed to organize a hypothetical database are not described. 8 points Structured and unstructured data from the EHR needed to organize a hypothetical database are described, but description is marginal or incomplete. 8.8 points Structured and unstructured data from the EHR needed to organize a hypothetical database are described, but description is rendered at a perfunctory level. 9.2 points Structured and unstructured data from the EHR needed to organize a hypothetical database are described in full. Discussion is convincing and defines specific elements. Information presented is from scholarly though dated sources. 10 points Structured and unstructured data from the EHR needed to organize a hypothetical database are described in full. A discussion of the rationale behind the design development is convincing and defines specific elements. Discussion is insightful and forward-thinking. Information presented is from current scholarly sources. Identification of Data Needed to Manage the Patient Problem Using Information From the Electronic He Identification of Data Needed to Manage the Patient Problem Using Information From the Electronic Health Record (EHR) 0 points Identification of data needed to manage the patient problem using information from the electronic health record (EHR) is not present. 8 points Identification of data needed to manage the patient problem using information from the electronic health record (EHR) is marginal or incomplete. 8.8 points Identification of data needed to manage the patient problem using information from the electronic health record (EHR) is present but at a perfunctory level. 9.2 points Identification of data needed to manage the patient problem using information from the electronic health record (EHR) is present in full. Discussion is convincing and defines specific elements. Information presented is from scholarly though dated sources. 10 points Identification of data needed to manage the patient problem using information from the electronic health record (EHR) is present in full. Discussion is convincing and defines specific elements. Discussion is insightful and forward-thinking. Information presented is from current scholarly sources. Selection of Clinically-Based Patient Problem Selection of Clinically-Based Patient Problem 0 points Patient problem selection does not provide clear benefit potential by using a database management approach. 8 points Patient problem selection indicates some benefit potential by using a database management approach, but the connection is marginal or incomplete. 8.8 points Patient problem selection indicates clear benefit potential by using a database management approach, but the connection is perfunctory. 9.2 points Patient problem selection indicates clear benefit potential by using a database management approach. Discussion is convincing. Information presented is from scholarly though dated sources. 10 points Patient problem selection indicates clear benefit potential by using a database management approach. Discussion is insightful and forward-thinking. Information presented is from current scholarly sources.
02

Turn the brief into deliverables

  1. 01
    A 1,000-1,250 word paper on a selected clinical problem.
  2. 02
    The data elements needed, with their location and source.
  3. 03
    A structured-versus-unstructured classification with explanation.
  4. 04
    A design serving a named output.
  5. 05
    An explicit chain from data to outcome, with APA citations.
03

Problem, data, structure, then the outcome

01

Select the problem

Choose a clinical problem with mixed data and state why it benefits from database management.

02

Identify the data elements

Name what is needed, where it lives and who enters it.

03

Structured against unstructured

Classify each element and explain what a system can and cannot act on.

04

Data quality

Distinguish fields that exist from fields that are reliably completed.

05

From data to outcome

Name the decision point at which managed data changes what happens.

04

Sources on clinical data and databases

Recommended databases

  • Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT
  • PubMed Central
  • Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association
  • Your organisation's EHR documentation

Search sequence

  1. 1.
    Choose the problem, then list the actual fields your EHR holds for it before writing anything.
  2. 2.
    Look up how structured and unstructured clinical data are defined in the informatics literature.
  3. 3.
    Search for evidence connecting a data-driven intervention to an outcome in your chosen problem.
  4. 4.
    Check what natural language processing can currently extract, since that bounds what unstructured data is worth.
05

Reference shortlist

These are authoritative starting points, not a ready-made bibliography. A qualified reviewer must confirm that each source fits the assignment and supports the claim beside which it is cited.

Nothing here is cleared for citation until you have read it.

  1. 01

    Interoperability

    Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology · 2024

    How clinical data is structured for exchange, which is the standards basis for the classification.

  2. 02

    From glitter to gold: recommendations for effective dashboards from design through sustainment

    Implementation Science · 2025

    Design guidance for turning stored data into something a clinician acts on.

  3. 03

    What Is Database Normalization?

    IBM · 2024

    Database structure fundamentals, relevant to the design half of the paper.

  4. 04

    The association between perceived electronic health record usability and professional burnout among US nurses

    Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 28(8), 1632-1641 · 2021

    Evidence on documentation burden, which is why data quality differs from data availability.

06

Review before submission

Common mistakes

  • Choosing a problem whose data is entirely structured, which makes the classification trivial.
  • Defining structured and unstructured without applying the distinction to your own elements.
  • Listing data elements without saying whether they are reliably completed.
  • Designing a database with no stated output it serves.
  • Asserting better outcomes without naming the decision the data would change.

Submission checklist

  • Does your problem generate both structured and unstructured data?
  • Is each element located in the EHR and attributed to who enters it?
  • Have you addressed completeness as well as existence?
  • Does the design serve a named query or output?
  • Is the outcome chain concrete rather than asserted?

Use this guide to plan and review your own work. Follow your institution's rules and read our academic-integrity policy.

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Argumentation and thesis development

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