The Importance of Health Outcomes Data and Practices
Health outcomes data and practices can be viewed as an umbrella term for integrating the best available research in the clinical practice, considering patient characteristics and preferences, organizational culture, and the enterprise mission. In essence, evidence-care protocols are those that clinical leaders recommend and support with evidence.
Health outcomes data and practices bring savings to the organization and efficient and safe care to the patient. These data and practices are evidence-based, fully vetted, and wisely implemented. They are written guidelines. A benefit of written protocols is that all stakeholders can understand treatment context, and probabilities for success can be calculated based on proven responses. Within outcomes-based protocols in place, individual care variations can be accommodated with flexibility and refinement. Evidence-care protocols decrease the time and complexity of decision-making, bringing added financial benefits and optimal outcomes—a much-needed attribute in our increasingly value-driven environment. However, occasionally protocols require provider behavior changes to achieve best practices and outcomes.
Healthcare leaders are increasingly pressured to provide high-quality, affordable care for more patients with fewer providers and resources. This quality versus cost dynamic is at the heart of the value-based care challenge. Efficient and optimal outcomes can benefit greatly from health outcomes data and evidence-based research.
Health outcomes data, while a broad concept, should include subjective information as well as clinical data. For example, patient quality of life measures, user satisfaction ratings, and stakeholder well-being measurements should be used to evaluate processes and practices. These metrics are important determinants of reimbursement rates, policies, and regulations. The importance of this data goes beyond a single patient encounter to include additional data points that provide leaders with a broad spectrum of information on which to base business and clinical decisions.
Health outcomes data originates from health systems, insurance providers, and regulatory agencies, resulting in an interconnected synthesis of valuable insight to be deployed toward organizational direction or redirection.
Health outcomes can be used to:
Evaluate and improve internal operations.
Monitor change and evaluate effectiveness.
Identify gaps in care and opportunities for new service lines.
Monitor patient satisfaction regarding physician/patient interactions, provider expertise, communication skills, facility aesthetics, and efficiency.
Analyze opportunities to expand, eliminate, or improve services.
Direct future investments to provide the best return, such as investing in technology, provide optimal health outcomes and ultimately improve its financial strength.
Examine industry best-practices and implement strategies.
Assess and adapt services to accommodate target populations, allowing for a tailored healthcare experience.
Educate target populations regarding health improvement by sharing the information provided by health outcome studies.
As financial outcomes are increasingly tied to health outcomes, it is prudent for leaders to consider these implied goals when creating strategies, service line models, and talent acquisition and development opportunities. No doubt, health systems will increasingly be reimbursed based on their outcomes. Health outcomes and evidence-based practices will continue to increase in strategic importance.
Achieving optimal outcomes for the lowest cost while maximizing value to all stakeholders must be at the core of a leader’s strategic focus. When outcomes are measured, assessed, and implemented with purpose, all stakeholders benefit.