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What is Big Data & Will it Solve Our Healthcare Problems?

Written by byteIQNovember 22, 2021

In its simplest form, Big Data refers to large volumes of data that is impossible to extract insights from manually or using standard computing techniques. Volume data can be structured (in a database, for example) or unstructured (composed of everything from

Individual text files, marketing material or even social media messages and internet voice calls).

Big Data Is Not ENOUGH

Additional techniques are necessary to make sense of all the data and this where data scientists and machine learning experts come into the picture. Having Big Data is one thing but without analytics (where data scientists create algorithms to sort and extract actionable insights from previously nonsensical information) it’s pointless. Trained professionals create unique algorithms for the non-technical to visualise their data or tools to allow automated searches useful to your healthcare organisation. In addition to standard analytics, it’s also possible to generate predictions based on historical data, both of which aid clinicians in preventative care by age, gender, family history or other risk factors.

We’re Medical Professionals Not Technologists

Clearly, Big Data has the potential to solve many healthcare problems but is not a cure-all. Clinicians are concerned with diagnosis and medical care. They are not technology experts and don’t need to be. However, advanced tools and resources are needed, as mentioned previously.

Implemented correctly, a healthcare big data solution can improve efficiency by identifying bottlenecks, reduce fraud such as identity theft, can improve preventative care by analysing risk factors and can improve research capabilities by identifying data that would have been missing using standard methods. To take a grand real-world example, how about population health, whether your community or the country as a whole? If everyone’s health information was centralised and anonymised correctly (patient privacy is a major consideration when implementing systems of this nature), it makes it easy to identify patterns using analytics.

Let’s Improve

Would Covid-19 have caused so much turmoil around the world if each country had a comprehensive healthcare data solution to compare a surge or similar symptoms in their patients, regardless of location? I don’t believe so.

In the meantime, individual healthcare organisations can embrace technology and use analytics to extract valuable operational and indeed medical insights from data they already have inhouse. As the drive towards digitisation and value-based care (including telehealth) continues, why not take advantage of the benefits?

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Top 5 Benefits of Data Analytics In Healthcare

Data analytics has become increasingly important in healthcare as it provides valuable insights that help healthcare organizations improve patient care, operational efficiency, and financial performance. The top 5 benefits of data analytics in healthcare are: Improved Patient Outcomes: Data analytics allows healthcare organizations to identify patterns and trends in patient data, which can help identify patients at risk of developing certain conditions and develop personalized treatment plans to improve patient outcomes. By analyzing patient data, healthcare organizations can also identify gaps in care and take proactive measures to address them. Increased Efficiency: Data analytics can help healthcare organizations optimize their operations and reduce costs. By analyzing data on patient flow, resource utilization, and other key metrics, healthcare organizations can identify areas of inefficiency and implement process improvements to increase efficiency. Better Resource Allocation: With the help of data analytics, healthcare organizations can allocate their resources more effectively. By analyzing patient data, healthcare organizations can identify patient populations that require more resources and develop targeted interventions to improve their health outcomes. Improved Financial Performance: Data analytics can help healthcare organizations improve their financial performance by reducing costs and increasing revenue. By analyzing data on patient flow, resource utilization, and other key metrics, healthcare organizations can identify areas of inefficiency and implement process improvements to reduce costs. Additionally, by identifying patient populations that require more resources, healthcare organizations can develop targeted interventions that improve patient outcomes and increase revenue. Enhanced Strategic Decision Making: Data analytics provides valuable insights that can help healthcare organizations make informed strategic decisions. By analyzing data on patient outcomes, resource utilization, and other key metrics, healthcare organizations can identify areas for improvement and develop strategic plans that align with their organizational goals. By using data analytics, healthcare organizations can make data-driven decisions that improve patient care, increase efficiency, and improve financial performance.

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Data Visualisation Techniques & Tools In Healthcare

Data visualization techniques and tools are becoming increasingly important in healthcare as they provide a way to understand better and communicate complex healthcare data. By presenting data in visual form, healthcare professionals can more easily identify patterns and trends, spot outliers, and make more informed decisions. One of the key benefits of data visualization in healthcare is its ability to facilitate communication between different stakeholders. For example, visualizations can be used to communicate important health information to patients in a way that is easy to understand, increasing patient engagement and improving health outcomes. Visualizations can also be used to share data between different healthcare providers, improving collaboration and ensuring that everyone has access to the same information. Another benefit of data visualization in healthcare is its ability to help healthcare professionals identify and address healthcare disparities. By visualizing healthcare data broken down by different demographics, such as age, race, or gender, healthcare professionals can identify disparities in healthcare outcomes and work to address them. There are many different types of data visualization tools and techniques that can be used in healthcare. Some common examples include charts and graphs, heatmaps, scatterplots, and geographic maps. The choice of visualization technique depends on the type of data being analyzed and the questions being asked. While data visualization can offer many benefits in healthcare, there are also challenges associated with its implementation. One key challenge is the need for high-quality data, as the accuracy of the results depends heavily on the quality of the input data. Another challenge is the need for skilled analysts and data scientists who can develop and implement the appropriate visualizations. Overall, data visualization techniques and tools are becoming increasingly important in healthcare, offering a powerful way to better understand and communicate healthcare data. By leveraging these tools effectively, healthcare professionals can improve patient outcomes, identify and address healthcare disparities, and make more informed decisions.

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Predictive Analytics And Machine Learning Algorithms

Predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms are powerful tools that have revolutionized the way businesses approach data analysis. By leveraging these techniques, organizations can extract valuable insights from vast amounts of data and use them to make more informed decisions. Predictive analytics involves using statistical models and algorithms to analyze historical data and identify patterns and trends that can be used to predict future outcomes. Machine learning, on the other hand, involves building algorithms that can learn from data and improve their performance over time. Together, these two techniques can be used to solve a wide range of business problems, from predicting customer behavior to optimizing supply chain operations. For example, predictive analytics can help businesses identify which customers are most likely to churn, allowing them to implement targeted retention strategies. Similarly, machine learning algorithms can be used to optimize inventory levels and reduce waste in manufacturing processes. While predictive analytics and machine learning can offer significant benefits, there are also challenges associated with their implementation. One key challenge is the need for high-quality data, as the accuracy of the results depends heavily on the quality of the input data. Another challenge is the need for skilled analysts and data scientists who can develop and implement the appropriate algorithms. Despite these challenges, predictive analytics and machine learning have become increasingly important in today's data-driven business environment. As the volume and complexity of data continue to grow, businesses that can effectively leverage these techniques will be better equipped to compete and succeed in their respective markets.

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Patient Lifetime Value Analysis And Patient Acquisition Strategies In Healthcare

Patient lifetime value (PLV) analysis is a data-driven approach used by healthcare organizations to determine the net present value of a patient over their entire lifetime. This analysis takes into account the total revenue generated by a patient, as well as the costs associated with acquiring and retaining the patient. By understanding the PLV of their patients, healthcare organizations can identify high-value patients and develop patient acquisition strategies to attract more patients like them. To conduct PLV analysis, healthcare organizations must first collect and analyze patient data, such as demographic information, medical history, and utilization patterns. This data can be used to segment patients based on their likelihood of generating revenue and their overall profitability. For example, patients with chronic conditions who require frequent hospitalizations may have a higher PLV than patients who only require routine check-ups. Once high-value patient segments have been identified, healthcare organizations can develop patient acquisition strategies to attract more patients like them. This may include targeted marketing campaigns, referral programs, and developing specialized services or treatment programs. However, patient acquisition strategies must be balanced with patient retention strategies. While attracting new patients is important, retaining existing patients is equally important to maximize their PLV. Patient retention strategies may include personalized care, patient engagement programs, and quality improvement initiatives. In summary, PLV analysis is a data-driven approach used by healthcare organizations to determine the net present value of a patient over their entire lifetime. By identifying high-value patient segments and developing patient acquisition strategies, healthcare organizations can attract more patients and maximize their PLV. However, patient acquisition strategies must be balanced with patient retention strategies to ensure long-term profitability and patient satisfaction.

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Real-Time Analytics For Operational Efficiency And Process Improvement.

Real-time analytics involves the collection and analysis of data in real-time to enable faster decision-making and process improvements. In healthcare, real-time analytics can be used to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance patient care. Real-time analytics provides healthcare organizations with the ability to monitor and track data as it is generated, such as patient vitals, medication administration, and operational workflows. This allows healthcare organizations to identify patterns and trends in real-time, enabling faster interventions and decision-making. For example, if a patient's vitals show signs of deterioration, real-time analytics can alert healthcare providers to take immediate action. Real-time analytics can also be used to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in operational workflows, such as wait times for patient admissions, lab results, or medication administration. By monitoring operational workflows in real-time, healthcare organizations can quickly identify areas for improvement and implement changes to improve process efficiency and reduce costs. This may include changes to staffing, workflow redesign, or the implementation of new technology. Real-time analytics can also improve patient care by providing healthcare providers with immediate access to relevant patient data, such as medical history, medication lists, and allergies. This can improve patient safety and reduce the risk of adverse events, such as medication errors. In summary, real-time analytics provides healthcare organizations with the ability to collect and analyze data in real-time to enable faster decision-making and process improvements. This technology can be used to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance patient care. By monitoring operational workflows and patient data in real-time, healthcare organizations can quickly identify areas for improvement and implement changes to improve process efficiency and patient safety.