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WGU C803 TASK 1: DATA TYPES AND STRUCTURES ACCURATE AND
VERIFIED
Data Types and Structures
Tosha Henrich
College of Health Professions, Western Governors University
Rachel Galeski
March 21, 2026
, 2
Data Types and Structures
DATA TYPE CHARACTERISTICS
Primary data is collected directly from the source, such as a health record
that healthcare professionals created first-hand when they provided care
to the patient (Oachs & Watters, 2020, p. 176).
Secondary data is developed using primary sources, such as
healthcare immunization registries (Oachs & Watters, 2020, p. 176).
These data sources are exceedingly different from each other. Primary
sources are derived from the original, unrefined source, whereas
secondary sources are up to the depiction of someone who analyzed
the primary source (Alvarez, 2023). Primary and secondary data
sources could be alike because they can be used to answer research
questions or analyze if needed and contain patient demographic
information.
DATA TYPE EXAMPLES
There are many examples of primary and secondary data within the
healthcare setting. As medical staff, we collect primary data for each
patient. We start at the front desk by getting patient demographics like
name, date of birth, and gender to complete their registration process.
Once roomed, the nurse or medical assistant takes vitals, including blood
pressure, temperature, and pulse, which are also primary data.
WGU C803 TASK 1: DATA TYPES AND STRUCTURES ACCURATE AND
VERIFIED
Data Types and Structures
Tosha Henrich
College of Health Professions, Western Governors University
Rachel Galeski
March 21, 2026
, 2
Data Types and Structures
DATA TYPE CHARACTERISTICS
Primary data is collected directly from the source, such as a health record
that healthcare professionals created first-hand when they provided care
to the patient (Oachs & Watters, 2020, p. 176).
Secondary data is developed using primary sources, such as
healthcare immunization registries (Oachs & Watters, 2020, p. 176).
These data sources are exceedingly different from each other. Primary
sources are derived from the original, unrefined source, whereas
secondary sources are up to the depiction of someone who analyzed
the primary source (Alvarez, 2023). Primary and secondary data
sources could be alike because they can be used to answer research
questions or analyze if needed and contain patient demographic
information.
DATA TYPE EXAMPLES
There are many examples of primary and secondary data within the
healthcare setting. As medical staff, we collect primary data for each
patient. We start at the front desk by getting patient demographics like
name, date of birth, and gender to complete their registration process.
Once roomed, the nurse or medical assistant takes vitals, including blood
pressure, temperature, and pulse, which are also primary data.
