CHAPTER 11. SITUATION ANALYSISHealthcare organizations today, deeply rely on technology.
From patient satisfaction surveys, to coding software and clinical documentation, it is apparent that healthcare technology is a requirement. Absence of technology can disturb operations as well as the functionality of the whole healthcare structure via inferior patient approval, inadequate health results and lessened quality of care. To avoid being left behind or left out, Healthcare organizations must continue use cutting edge technology. With modern technology, it is possible to capture and analyze more information about work activities than ever before, and the promise of using Big Data in hospital facilities management is compelling. Hospitals have the capabilities to gain deep insight into day-to-day operational activities, which can trigger workflow redesign, more efficient staffing, and significant improvements in employee well-being and quality of life. At the same time, Big Data initiatives can help mitigate liability cases, infections and contagious diseases, adverse safety events.
2. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMMany times, individual healthcare providers not unified with an Ambulatory Network use dissimilar technology programs, leading to disparities in how care is provided. In the healthcare industry, technology is used to provide patient education, execute automatic billing, and to generate radiology and laboratory reports. However, when computer applications are run on separate networks, they do not transfer vital data amongst organizations. There are numerous tools to assist with collectively managing diverse healthcare organizations, but many facilities continue to work autonomously. Employees in different healthcare facilities may use a variety of methods to order supplies, triage appointments and conduct phone consultations. Likewise, organizations may practice other methods for making referrals, setting up appointments, and handling and storing medical records, all of which can make the protected transmission of data challenging.
Big Data has its origins, at least in part in the healthcare industry. Healthcare leaders are already attempting to use large-scale patient-level data to improve patient outcomes and population health. Yet, the healthcare industry is behind other industries, many of which have adapted the Big Data movement to their advantage in a new format.
