1. What’s happening? Healthcare leaders need to define their goals and focus on data related to that goal. The first way leaders should use this data is to determine the current state within the targeted area, according to Dr. Sikka. For example, if a hospital leader aims to reduce readmissions, the first step in using data to reach this goal is measuring the current rate of readmissions, profiles of readmitted patients and other metrics on readmissions.
2. Can I predict what will happen? Once hospital leaders understand their baseline measurements, they need to determine how they can use those measurements to predict future events, according to Dr. Sikka. For example, hospital leaders could use data on readmitted patients to develop a list of patients at high risk for readmission based on shared characteristics.
3. Can I change what will happen? After determining predictive capability, hospital leaders should develop intervention plans to reach the desired outcome. Defining readmission high-risk patients, for example, could trigger additional education during post-discharge as well as follow-up.
More Articles on Big Data:
Advocate Health Care VP Dr. Rishi Sikka: Leveraging Data Analytics Background to Improve Care
Make 2013 the Year for BIG Data — Supercharging Your ICD-10 Transition Efforts
4 Steps to Activating a Hospital’s Big Data for Population Health Management
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
