Reducing Disparities data analysis

Sample Solution

    Reducing disparities in health care is one of the most important challenges facing the health care industry today. In recent years, data analysis has become increasingly important to understand the root causes of these disparities, as well as to identify potential solutions for addressing them. Data analysis can provide insight into how access to quality care varies among different patient populations,

and how policy decisions might help to reduce these disparities. In this paper we will evaluate how data analysis is transforming the health care industry by discussing three barriers related to it; national initiatives that are helping address disparities; financial incentives available; accreditation requirements; two software options for data analysis; an example study related to reducing disparities in health care outcomes; and our overall conclusions and recommendations regarding its use. There are several barriers associated with using data analysis when attempting to reduce disparities in healthcare outcomes. First, there can be significant cost associated with implementing a comprehensive data analytics program which requires purchasing new software or outsourcing this work to another company or organization. Additionally, collecting accurate patient-level information can be challenging due to privacy concerns surrounding sensitive personal information such as race/ethnicity or age range. Finally, there is often difficulty accessing electronic medical records (EMRs) from disparate sources due limited interoperability between EMRs systems both within hospitals and across healthcare providers resulting in incomplete datasets from which meaningful conclusions cannot be drawn without additional effort invested into merging data from multiple sources together first before beginning any type of analyses . At the federal level, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has taken steps towards encouraging more effective use of data analytics specifically designed toward reducing inequalities through their “All- Payer Claims Database” initiative that seeks out partnering states in order collect claims payment information on all patients regardless of payer source at a statewide level which would otherwise not have been accessible had each individual provider done so on their own . Other national efforts include The Office Of Minority Health's National Standards For Culturally And Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) standards which focus on improving service delivery’s ability accommodate cultural differences through increased diversity training amongst staff members . In addition providing better access more comprehensive datasets , organizations that successfully implement strategies designed increase healthcare equity stand receive financial rewards doing so through awards granted under CMS Ambulatory Quality Reporting System (AQRS). Hospitals who succeed meeting criteria set forth AQRS may then take advantage various funding opportunities reserved those institutions meet these expectations including grants money eligible state Medicaid programs , participation Medicare Shared Savings Programs (MSSP), recognition via The Joint Commission's Equity Accreditation Maintenance Program(EAMP), discounts certain treatments offered Blue Cross Insurance Plans etcetera.. Healthcare reforms centered around quality improvement also come hand few accreditation expectations related reducing disparity -related issues notably found with The Joint Commission’s EAMP program mentioned earlier this paper It should noted though however despite fact qualifies institution receive number benefits outlined last section still remains voluntary basis rather than mandatory requirement like other core measures dealing infection control environmental safety etc .. When evaluating appropriate software option utilize when attempting analyze large incoming datasets two primary choices exist either commercial off shelf products custom built solutions catered specific needs given situation scenario While former may cost prohibitive upfront latter may require significant investment time resources designing complete maintainable solution One notable comparison made recently dealt Microsoft Analytics Platform System against HP Vertica platform Where former does offer wide array features greater scalability former did prove less expensive terms maintenance costs over long run To illustrate effectiveness using analytical tools correctly example study conducted Boston University focusing effects increasing physical activity minority populations Specifically researchers looked compare rates regular exercise African American Hispanic adults compared non - Hispanic whites Findings concluded while differences existed overall research was inconclusive support hypothesis due limited amount reliable survey responses collected conclusion made though was worth further investigating underlying drivers behind reduced exercise levels amongst minority population From discussion presented above clear see tremendous value harnessed making best practices leveraging advances technology particular field healthcare Given current trends continued influxes regulatory paperwork ever changing landscape vast amounts patient encounterable problems strong case exists begin utilizing modern methods order streamline processes improve efficiency saving costs In short key reduce inequality – while maintaining high standards quality – largely dependent upon proper utilization big rich dataset already disposition present day clinicians strive achieve same end goal: healthier happier lives everyone involved .