This audio was created using Microsoft Azure Speech Services
As we discussed in our last blog, use of Big Data is on the rise everywhere, and it’s a technological advancement that healthcare facilities can– and need to– take advantage of. It would take much more space than we have here to explain the details of all the ways in which Big Data can help healthcare facilities run smarter; instead, here is our Top 5 list of ways that Big Data can benefit your healthcare facility.
#1: Optimizing facility performance. To put it simply, the more you know about your facility, the better it runs. Big data technology allows facility managers to do side-by-side examinations of performance reports in areas ranging from power monitoring to security services. Of course, it also goes without saying that as facility performance goes up, so will patient safety, patient satisfaction, and facility ratings.
#2: Reducing energy costs. This is another case where more information naturally leads to better performance. Increased monitoring capabilities as part of a Big Data solution make it so healthcare facility staff and managers can pinpoint areas of with high energy use, and determine where it is really required and where energy is being wasted, and then take steps to combat those inefficiencies. A decrease in overall energy use comes with the benefit of decreased energy costs. It’s also likely to create a more environmentally-conscious facility.
#3: Increasing access to information. With Internet and cloud storage technologies constantly improving and expanding Big Data can be accessed from just about anywhere. As we discussed in the last blog, this is a huge benefit to doctors who can access electronic medical records anytime, anywhere to improve patient care. It’s also beneficial for facility management, operators, and engineers, who can discover and deal with problems remotely.
Big Data is even changing how patients choose their healthcare providers. The internet has allowed immediate access through sites such as Yelp, HealthGrades, HospitalSafetyScore, hospital ratings and patient reviews on doctors. Healthcare is a changing landscape and it’s vital that organizations evaluate their own performance and address areas of weakness in order to stay competitive.
#4: Managing with greater agility. Access to live updates and alerts allows facility managers and hospital staff to respond quickly and efficiently to problems and concerns. With digital hospital solutions that send the right information to the right people in real-time, users can make informed decisions and get ahead of the issue.
#5: Proactively maintaining equipment. Hospitals and healthcare facilities have a significant physical and technological infrastructure, and in order to ensure smooth and problem-free facility operation, it’s vital to keep equipment in good working order. Big Data allows equipment diagnostics and analytics to run in real time. Equipment performance issues can be addressed immediately to ensure optimal performance, and to prevent larger repairs or system failures.
With impacts like these, the healthcare industry should seriously consider taking advantage of Big Data. Effective use of Big Data will improve efficiency, access to information, facility performance, and help to bring the healthcare facilities of today into the ranks of those of the future.
Read our previous blog, “What’s the “Big” Deal about Big Data in Healthcare!
