Report Most healthcare organizations didn't feel like they could create an accurate 360-degree view of their patients, even though they needed to know "who's who" to improve patient outcomes, increase profitability and sales. initiatives, including digital transformation, accelerate population health. management.
Sage Growth Partners, based in Baltimore, Maryland, and Verato, based in McLean, Virginia, recently released the results of a survey that found many health care systems contain inaccurate information about patients, negatively impacting patient care. patient, financial and operational goals.
The survey of 100 healthcare leaders found that most healthcare organizations did not feel they could create an accurate 360-degree view of their patients, even though they needed to know "who's who" to improve outcomes. of patients, increase profitability and speed up work. initiatives that include digital transformation and population health management.
The report indicates that patient identity information is associated with the most strategic priorities. A strong majority of 88% cited patient identity as key to improving the patient experience, and 75% cited patient identity as essential to improving care management, according to the report. In addition, 72% of respondents indicated "concern" or "extreme concern" that isolated and inaccurate personal data could negatively affect the final outcome and quality of care. Not only that, 60% went on to say that patient identity data is important to all functions and initiatives within the organization. 73% said patient identity is also critical to a digital gateway.
“These leaders know they need the right patient data to activate these priorities, but unfortunately not many of them will be able to achieve the success rate they want. They don't trust their patient data, and for good reason. Most identity resolution algorithms only have an accuracy rate of around 65%, meaning almost half of an organization's patient data could be incorrect, duplicate or fragmented," said Clay Ritchey, CEO of Verato, in an email. "The 65% accuracy rate achieved by basic or embedded identity resolution software is not good enough, especially when patient care is at stake."
Inaccuracies in patient identity data create problems for risk management and public health, and ultimately exacerbate health inequalities, the report says. Additionally, siled and inaccurate patient data affects not only quality of care but also the bottom line, though the report did not provide details on what the financial impact might be.
The survey found that health systems listed the following three strategic priorities: improving patient satisfaction (42%), addressing resiliency and workforce shortages, and digital transformation initiatives (37%). Accurate patient information directly affects all three. For example, correct patient identity can improve patient experience and satisfaction. Conversely, incorrect data could lead to incorrect test results, treatment delays and poor patient outcomes, according to the report. According to the report, if a patient receives incorrect information from one care provider, they are likely to switch to another.
Nearly all (91%) of those surveyed said that having a complete and holistic view of patient data, eg, race, location, ethnicity, was extremely or fairly important. Nearly all (92%) indicated that the social determinants of health are critical to meeting the analytical goals.
In addition to patient satisfaction, respondents said their second highest priority was digital transformation initiatives, with 86% saying the pandemic has accelerated the need for digital offerings to attract and retain patients, according to the report. The report defined them as seamless clinical and patient experiences and improved access for patients.
