Healthcare providers go through a tremendous amount of paperwork and data entry every day. In fact, according to a report from HIMSS Analytics, an average employee spends about 8.6 hours per week on data entry. That time can be spent with patients, improving quality of care and patient satisfaction.
Data entry can be frustrating and time-consuming. Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems are designed to simplify this process. Providers can quickly enter data into EHR systems, which are then double-checked by the system. This allows providers to spend more time with patients and less time on data entry.
On the other hand, data aggregation companies like Qventus make life easier for hospital management. These companies receive and consolidate all of a hospital’s data, allowing administrators and physicians to review and analyze it easily. These professionals can then use the information gathered by these companies to improve hospital services. Read on to explore more ways to use data in healthcare:
- Big Data
Healthcare is beginning to make use of big data technology. For example, researchers use big data to identify trends in healthcare and develop better treatment. Big data technology can also be used to match the right drugs to specific illnesses. The goal is to ensure that patients get the proper treatment and minimize side effects.
Many online courses offer practical knowledge on using big data technology in healthcare. For instance, a Master’s degree in Healthcare Informatics prepares students to work as data scientists and analysts in the healthcare sector. These professionals work with researchers and other clinical staff and use patient information to make more accurate assessments and improve the quality of care for patients.
- Outcome-Focused data
According to the GWTG Center, healthcare organizations are now using data to improve patient outcomes. The program keeps track of data like mortality rates, length of stay, and discharge status for specific medical conditions. This data is then used to improve the quality of care and adjust patient outcomes.
- Data for public health
The CDC collects and merges data from different sources to improve public health. For example, the CDC uses data from state and local agencies, reports from healthcare providers, hospital administrative records, vital statistics, and the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System. This data is then used to spot epidemics early on, enable health departments to react faster, implement the correct actions, and reduce the risk of a global crisis.
- Data for healthcare management
Data is also used at the management level to improve hospital services. For example, hospital administrators can access and review data from different sources using Qventus. This data is then used to improve hospital operations, patient care, and outcomes. Some of the data collected by Qventus is already familiar to hospital management but can be readily aggregated and displayed for review. This can help administrators identify hidden connections and patterns between different data points, spot problem areas, and find the right solutions to issues.
- Data for research
Researchers also use data to find new cures and therapies. For example, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funds different clinical trials to improve patient care and outcomes. The NIH also funds research on different diseases, which can help unlock discoveries and save lives. Health care companies also use data to develop new products and services. Data can help identify service gaps and customer preferences and develop better products and services that meet customer expectations. Data can also help identify stakeholder needs and concerns, create new product features, and plan for future growth.
- Data to target marketing
Healthcare companies also use data to develop marketing strategies. For example, a healthcare company may use customer data to identify market trends. This company can then use this data to customize marketing messages for people likely to buy the business’s products or services. Data can also be used to target a specific audience, measure the impact of social media campaigns and develop new marketing strategies.
- Patient-Focused data
Collaborative care has created a new type of medical practice. Doctors work with other providers like nurses and social workers to improve patient outcomes. This type of practice requires providers to spend more time with patients, which leads to better care and lower costs.
One way to help providers spend more time with patients is electronic shared decision-making. This software allows doctors to improve communication and collaboration with their patients. The software uses data gathered by providers like EHRs, lab results, disease registries, and other relevant sources. Doctors can then use this data to make decisions with their patients.
- Data for training and education
Data can also be used to train professionals in the medical field. For example, a doctor may use electronic medical records to look for best practices and clinical guidelines. This can help doctors stay up-to-date on the latest developments in medicine. Hospitals and medical schools also use data to educate students on different procedures and guidelines. Medical residents can also benefit from learning how to access and analyze data. This can help them make quicker diagnoses and better decisions in the future.
- Data for patient education
Data is also used to educate patients about their health. For example, EHRs can create personalized alerts for patients with chronic conditions. The alerts tell patients when they need to schedule an appointment, reducing the risk of medical complications. Patient portals are another way patients access their EHRs remotely. Patients can use these portals to manage their health, share information with different providers, and get notified when lab results are ready.
- Data for quality improvement
More data also helps hospitals meet quality improvement targets and improve their care. For example, healthcare facilities can get price transparency reports from different sources. These reports tell hospitals what similar health care providers charge for the same services and procedures, which can help hospitals reduce costs and improve quality.
The federal government also provides incentives to healthcare companies that make improvements. These incentives are called value-based purchasing programs, which can be used to reduce costs and improve quality.
Conclusion
The use of data is becoming more common in healthcare. This is because healthcare organizations want to improve the quality of patient care while reducing their costs. So if you want to opt for a career in healthcare informatics or data science, now would be a good time to pursue relevant education.
