Governance for Big Data – Generating Better Outcomes in Healthcare

Everyone understands that due to the rapidly changing payer and regulatory environments healthcare providers must change the way they do business in order to not only survive, but thrive. One of the major factors in driving change for better outcomes and efficiencies is better utilization of Big Data. In fact, Mckinsey & Company in this study found here, estimates the savings to be upwards of $300 billion per year if healthcare providers properly used big data to drive efficiencies and quality care.

But how does an organization with massive amounts of data from multiple sources, with multiple stakeholders who have vastly different priorities- including many who are technology resistant, in a dynamic environment where in most instances caregivers who need access to critical data are not sitting in front of a computer where information is easily accessible, begin to and continually manage the proper utilization of data that is as sensitive and highly regulated as patient information?

The answer is implementing comprehensive Governance for Big Data. A top down 360 degree view of Governance for Big Data with complete buy in from management, IT, doctors, nursing, and other pertinent hospital staff is critical in establishing Big Data initiatives that truly impact patient care and improve efficiencies within healthcare organizations. The process begins with an assessment of an organizations current status including:

o Stakeholder alignment and expectations
o Asking relevant business questions:
o How do we use historical data to improve care?
o Data Analysis:
o Admission systems
o Discharge and transfer data
o EHR
o Text Documents
o Social Media information
o Lab Results
o Immunization records
o Revenue realization
o Data Streams from Medical Devices
o Legacy Databases
o Medical Journals
o Nursing notes
o And many others
o Gap Analysis

The next step is to determine the future state of what the organization would like to accomplish with its Big Data initiatives:

• Better outcomes
• Cost reductions
• Patient Privacy
• IT Change Management strategy
• Business Change Management Strategy
• Template Design for logical, repeatable processes
• Policies and procedures

The final step is training staff and implementing the Governance for Big Data strategy:

• Data Warehouse
• Staff training
• Template execution and training

RoundWorld Solutions has extensive expertise in Big Data Governance for the healthcare industry. We will engage with your entire organization to frame the right questions and provide answers and specific guidelines to establish the process and procedure to leverage your data to improve patient care.

If you would like to discuss this article or how RWS offerings centered around our 360 degree view of Governance for Big Data in healthcare can ensure the effective use and distribution of your data to secure better outcomes please contact the author, Scott Cunningham – Sr. Director, Solutions and Delivery at scottc@roundworldsolutions.com or contact us today.