How do you deal with data quality and availability issues when using EVM in the healthcare domain?

1 What is EVM and why is it useful in healthcare?

EVM is a method that compares the actual work done, the planned work, and the budgeted cost of a project at any given point in time. It helps you to track the progress, identify variances, and forecast the final outcome of the project. EVM can be useful in healthcare because it can help you to manage complex and dynamic projects, such as clinical trials, medical device development, or health system transformation. EVM can also help you to align your project goals with the strategic objectives of your organization, stakeholders, and customers.

2 What are the data quality and availability issues in healthcare EVM?

Data quality and availability are essential for EVM, as they play an important role in the accuracy and reliability of the calculations and forecasts. In healthcare, this can be complicated due to the diversity and variability of data sources, such as electronic health records, clinical databases, patient surveys, or billing systems. Additionally, the lack of standardization and interoperability of healthcare data formats, definitions, and codes can lead to data gaps or inconsistencies. Furthermore, privacy and security regulations limit the access and sharing of healthcare data. Lastly, the uncertainty and volatility of healthcare environments can be a factor due to changes in patient needs, clinical protocols, regulatory requirements, or market conditions; all of which can compromise your EVM results.

3 How can you improve data quality and availability in healthcare EVM?

To ensure data quality and availability in healthcare EVM, you should adopt some best practices. This includes defining and documenting your EVM data requirements, sources, formats, and frequency, as well as establishing and maintaining data governance and quality control processes. Additionally, you should use data integration and standardization tools and techniques, such as data mapping, transformation, and exchange. Moreover, you should implement data security and privacy measures, such as encryption, authentication, and authorization. Lastly, it is important to monitor and update your data regularly and proactively when changes occur in the project scope, schedule, or cost.

4 How can you use EVM effectively in healthcare projects?

To use EVM effectively in healthcare projects, you must consider the complexity and uncertainty of the project, which may require more detailed analysis and reporting. You should also ensure that EVM results are communicated to stakeholders and customers, who may have different perspectives on the project value and outcomes. Furthermore, you should customize EVM metrics and formulas to suit the characteristics and objectives of your healthcare project, as well as integrate EVM results with other project management tools and methods, such as risk management or change management.

5 What are the benefits and challenges of using EVM in healthcare?

Using EVM in healthcare can bring numerous advantages, such as increasing project visibility, improving planning, execution, and control, and increasing efficiency, effectiveness, and value. Additionally, EVM can support decision-making, problem-solving, and learning. However, some challenges arise when using EVM in healthcare, such as finding reliable data for EVM, adjusting and applying it to different types of healthcare projects, interpreting and communicating the results to stakeholders and customers, and balancing and integrating it with other project management aspects.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?