The future of big data

Vernon Pertelle

Healthcare organizations and providers are charged with having the ability to quantify the data obtained from patients in the electronic health record (EHR) to show that the resources utilized in the care and treatment of patients results in better health outcomes while reducing costs.  

The expectations under the new healthcare laws and regulatory requirements; call for each entity whether hospitals and health systems or physicians to demonstrate meaningful use three (3) in which the data shows that the entity effectively cared for their patients.  So what does this mean for data analytics and dedicated resources with clinical and financial expertise to compile the information in a manner that is useful for the organization, relevant to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and allows for performance improvement?  

The future, current trends and direction of the New Healthcare Normal of pay for performance creates opportunities for information technology (IT) professionals that have expertise in clinical informatics and financial systems, budgeting and resource allocation. 

In order to effectively quantify your organization's performance in demonstrating meaningful use, establishing successful practices that lead to better health outcomes and cost reductions; as well as creating consistency with regards to connecting financial expenditures with clinical activities, each organization must create a new role that is focused solely on meaningful use demonstration.  

The individual is potentially a clinician with a passion for IT and formal education & training; and most important, understands the link between financial and clinical data.  This new role is one that may have existed in some organizations well in advance of the changes under the New Healthcare Normal; however will be essential for hospitals, health systems and physician practices to ensure the entity receives the rewards for performing better.  In addition, the role becomes a major component of the budgeting team to ensure resources are planned for and implemented at the right places, doing the right jobs, and for the right purposes.  The person is potentially a mid-level manager or director that reports in a matrix to the CFO, CNO; with regular interface with the CEO to ensure adequate authority and influence over the various teams and individuals accountable for performance.  

We have a plethora of data due to the systems and significant amount of information compiled via the EHR, financial systems, human resources and purchasing that can be leveraged to transform organizations into well run, efficient and quality driven entities. However there must be a dedicated resource that is accountable for quantifying the data in a manner that shows cost effective healthcare to demonstrate meaningful use.  The individual will help to shift the data paradigm to identify successful practices that can be shared throughout the organization and ultimately the healthcare industry.