HIT data and analytics are transforming the way healthcare providers deliver patient care. By using digital tools and methods to collect, store, analyze, and share health information, you can improve quality, safety, efficiency, and outcomes. In this article, you will learn about some of the benefits and challenges of HIT data and analytics for patient care.
One of the main advantages of HIT data and analytics is that they enable you to make evidence-based decisions based on real-time and historical data. You can use data to monitor performance, identify trends, evaluate interventions, and optimize processes. For example, you can use data to track patient outcomes, reduce readmissions, prevent errors, and personalize treatments.
The implementation of a data-driven decision-making approach has had a significant impact on patient care in the Emergency Department. In my experience, Real-time dashboards displaying critical metrics have revolutionized the management of resources, leading to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction. These dashboards provide valuable insights into various tracking event milestones throughout a patient's visit. The dashboard pushes information to department managers, and other users to support bed management and staffing decisions but also allows us to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in our processes. Utilizing a robust analytics platform grants stakeholders the chance to recognize and quantify areas of opportunity in throughput.
One of the best things I’ve learned over the years is utilizing data to understand patient outcomes of specific patient populations within the organizations I’ve worked for. By understanding these data, we were able to improve efficiencies and thereby improve patient outcomes. This came by through strong decision making backed by good data. Ultimately, in healthcare, we are here to improve patients’ lives and improve their quality of life. Data driven decision making helps us achieve that goal.
Here is a real world example - we deployed a HIS at a polyclinic that had physicians, gynaecologists and surgeons. A dentist working in the polyclinic said, "Its critical for us to know if the patient is a hypertensive or not before we conduct a Root Canal Treatment (RCT). Often patients do not reveal medical history clearly (lack of knowledge / literacy in tier II towns). Because this EMR solution is deployed in the clinic, some physician who saw my patient earlier had updated his medical history in the EMR. It helped me decide the right course of treatment plan." There are many such use-cases where data availability, at the right time, in right manner, can change the course of outcome significantly for both clinicians and the patients.
Data-driven decision making should be the only avenue taken in Healthcare. We are dealing with our morbidity, mortality, and health. Therefore, any healthcare software created needs an Analytics Suite.
Another benefit of HIT data and analytics is that they foster patient engagement and empowerment. You can use data to communicate with patients, educate them, and involve them in their care. For example, you can use data to provide feedback, reminders, alerts, and recommendations. You can also use data to empower patients to access and manage their own health records, preferences, and goals.
It is crucial to recognize that lasting transformation requires the involvement of clinical staff, key stakeholders, patients, and their families. For example, the Emergency Department is just one piece of the larger healthcare ecosystem, and meaningful change needs an integrated approach. One thing I have found that is invaluable is incorporating input from all stakeholders and addressing systemic issues, we can create a healthcare system that truly prioritizes patient well-being and the delivery of high-quality care.
Patient engagement is the best way to ensure better outcomes for the patient themselves. The old school way of DOT (direct observational therapy) or social worker home visits were cumbersome and costly. Now with the advent of technology, data, analytics, and the internet, we can not only engage the patient but also empower them. This engagement and empowerment leads to better outcomes for the patient. Better outcomes equal better care. Through engagement we can monitor adherence to therapies, provide coaching, or reevaluate therapies if needed.
An Always-Free Universal Patient Portal is crucial in healthcare. It will guarantee Healthcare Equality, Equity, and Transparency! It will also allow patients to control the who, what, where, when, and why of their healthcare information.
A third benefit of HIT data and analytics is that they facilitate interoperability and collaboration among different healthcare stakeholders. You can use data to share and exchange information across systems, settings, and organizations. For example, you can use data to coordinate care, streamline referrals, and support transitions. You can also use data to collaborate with other providers, researchers, policymakers, and community partners.
As an intern at UNIVPM, I've seen how Health Information Technology (HIT) data improves patient care. HIT enhances interoperability, enabling seamless sharing of patient information across systems. It also fosters collaboration among healthcare teams, streamlining data management and communication. In my research, HIT analytics have uncovered valuable insights into hereditary-familial neoplasms, guiding more targeted treatments. This highlights the pivotal role of HIT in driving innovation and enhancing patient outcomes.
Getting various healthcare stakeholders together on the same page is a challenging affair. The center of the stakeholder must be the patient. Leveraging data and analytics is key. With data one will be able to tell a story about patient care. The story begins with the diagnosis and therapy prescription for the patient. This will drive the decision making process. This in turn drives better patient care. This ultimately drives improved patient outcomes. By telling the story, we can foster interoperability and collaboration among the different healthcare stakeholders.
Healthcare Interoperability must be our primary focus. 99% of all the ills in healthcare can be addressed by focusing on the aforementioned.
However, HIT data and analytics also pose some challenges for patient care. One of the main challenges is ensuring data quality and security. You need to ensure that the data you collect, store, analyze, and share are accurate, complete, consistent, and reliable. You also need to ensure that the data you use are protected from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, or loss. For example, you need to follow standards, policies, and regulations for data quality and security.
In my experience, emphasizing data quality and security in HIT not only enhances patient trust but also fosters collaboration among healthcare professionals. By prioritizing these aspects, we can leverage HIT data effectively to drive innovation, improve patient outcomes, and advance healthcare practices. Moreover, HIT plays a crucial role in maintaining data security through stringent access controls and encryption methods. By adhering to industry standards and regulations like Good Clinical Practice (GCP), HIT systems ensure that sensitive patient data remains protected throughout its lifecycle.
With the amount of data generated in healthcare, the only way to control and guide the data is via networks and integration. And, the most potent form of network security is Block-chain Technology!
Another challenge of HIT data and analytics is enhancing data literacy and ethics among healthcare providers and patients. You need to develop the skills and knowledge to understand, interpret, and use data effectively and responsibly. You also need to adhere to the principles and values of ethical data use. For example, you need to respect patient privacy, consent, and autonomy; ensure data fairness, equity, and justice; and avoid data bias, misuse, or harm.
Data literacy and ethics are paramount in Health Information Technology (HIT). Understanding and effectively communicating insights from HIT data is crucial for informed decision-making in hereditary-familial neoplasms studies and GCP Clinical Trials. Ethical considerations, including patient privacy and responsible data use, are equally essential. Upholding these principles ensures integrity and trust in healthcare practices.
A final challenge of HIT data and analytics is fostering data innovation and integration in healthcare. You need to explore new ways of using data to improve patient care and outcomes. You also need to integrate data with other sources of evidence and knowledge. For example, you need to use data to support clinical reasoning, judgment, and creativity; leverage data from multiple domains and disciplines; and combine data with other emerging technologies.
HIT data and analytics offer many opportunities and challenges for patient care. By using data wisely and ethically, you can enhance your practice and your patients' experience.
We need to create a decentralized, distributed, block-chained HEALTHCARE INTERNET, wherein all EMR/EHR systems are networked and integrated together!