OBJECTIVES: To develop a conceptual framework about how to make better use of real-world data (RWD) using predictive analytics that transforms knowledge into wisdom for evidence-based practice (EBP).

METHODS: We used the data analytics continuum model (descriptive, diagnostic, predictive and prescriptive analytics) to highlight the four stages of data analytics, where ‘descriptive analytics answer the question of “what happened?”, ‘diagnostic analytics’ answers “why did it happened?”, ‘predictive analytics’ answer “what will happen?”, and ‘prescriptive analytics’ answer “how can we make it happen?”. We also used the DIKW (data-information-knowledge-wisdom) hierarchy model referring to ‘data’ as real-world data (RWD), where ‘information’ represents understanding relations, ‘knowledge’ represents understanding patterns, and ‘wisdom’ represents understanding the principles. We combined the data analytics model and the DIKW hierarchy model to develop a novel conceptual framework that translates knowledge into wisdom with the help of predictive analytics. This framework builds on the concepts of evidence-based practice and the knowledge translation framework.

RESULTS: The developed conceptual model states that: descriptive and diagnostic analytics would translate RWD into real-world evidence (RWE), which corresponds to the knowledge generated. Then, applying predictive analytics (making predictions about the future based on RWE coupled with evidence from the literature and clinicians’ experience) would generate the necessary knowledge based on contextual scenarios. After that, applying prescriptive analytics would translate knowledge into wisdom in making informed clinical decisions (implementing evidence-based practice). This would lead to creating learning healthcare systems that learn from RWD, make predictions about the future (generate the necessary knowledge), and turn this knowledge into wisdom in creating an evidence-informed culture that is driven by RWD.

CONCLUSIONS: This novel conceptual framework governs the use of data analytics to translate knowledge (generated through RWE) into wisdom in adopting evidence-based practice, regarding healthcare diagnosis, management and decision-making.