Data is one of the most valuable assets in healthcare, but organizations are staggering under the load of the information they collect and store. Implementing a data governance strategy can help to make sense of this information, but many organizations are at a loss of how they want their data management to look and function.
We’re sharing our insights on how to create an effective healthcare governance strategy from the ground up so you can start putting your data to work in the best possible ways.
#1 – Determine Your Big Picture Goals
Before investing in any type of change, it’s important to know why change is necessary and what you ultimately expect those changes to deliver.
What are your big picture objectives with data governance?
Data governance isn’t new territory for healthcare organizations, but the concept is evolving as much as the collection of healthcare data itself. The entire role of health information management depends on having accessible, accurate data that’s also well protected.
In order to better control your healthcare data, you need to decide what holes exist in your current strategy that warrant change.
#2 – Consider Data Quality
Once the need for change has been identified, healthcare leaders must assess the types of data that are necessary in moving forward to your goals. Data quality is arguably the single most important aspect of data governance. Data that is low in quality can complicate the big picture, giving leaders more information to sift through and delay any decisions.
#3 – Control Data Access
The healthcare industry historically protects its data from users, giving out information only on a strict need-to-know basis. But a solid data governance strategy thrives only when information is accessible and shared.
Company leaders, external stakeholders, and other members of your healthcare enterprise must have access to data in order to drive the decision-making process, gain holistic views of the patient journey, and deliver the best possible outcomes to those you serve.
#4 – Prioritize Usability
The thought and effort you pour into data governance are effectively useless if your team is unaware of how to contribute to the program.
It takes a village to ensure that data is collected, stored, and used properly to deliver the results you expect. Usability greatly affects the final outcome, as disorganization, complex workflows, and other obstacles can eliminate any benefit you stand to gain.
What Will Be in Your Healthcare Data Governance Strategy?
If you’re struggling to develop a proper healthcare data governance strategy, take comfort in you’re not alone. It’s a new challenge for many organizations that continue to be complicated and disrupted with new technologies and innovations in the industry.
However, the fact remains that better data governance isn’t something you can bump from your priority list for long. The sooner you can get your data management under control, the sooner you’ll be able to tap into its benefits to provide a better experience for personnel, providers, and the patients you serve.
For more insights into managing your healthcare data, head back to the Lifepoint blog.