Information is king in today’s world. All businesses and industries rely on data and information to make predictions and streamline service delivery. This is the same in the healthcare industry, where hospitals collect and store treatment plans, patient records, and lab test results.
However, the data can be useless if you cannot draw useful insights from it. Here is where healthcare data analytics software comes in. These tools have taken center stage, allowing relevant stakeholders to clean and analyze the data.
But the biggest problem is finding the perfect analytics tool for your healthcare business. Below are tips to help you evaluate and find the best healthcare data analytics software solution.
Tailor-Made vs. Off-the-Shelf Solutions
Both options have their share of pros and cons. Building tailor-made healthcare analytics tools can be expensive. However, the benefits are worth investing in a custom solution from renowned healthcare software developers like Empeek. It can be time-consuming, but you can build a prototype offering the basic features and add extra tools on a need basis.
Custom solutions are popular because they are ready to go. They are also cheaper than custom-made software. The only downsides are that some come with bloated features, and integration with existing systems can be challenging. We recommend consulting an expert for more input on the best option before deciding.
Identify Your Healthcare Business Needs
Run feasibility tests and identify the pain points in your healthcare’s data management and analytics. Defining and identifying the key performance indicators will help you select the best tool for the job. Remember, not all data analytics tools are designed the same.
What metrics do you want to track in your hospital? Do you want to use available financial data for business forecasting, or do you want to improve service delivery? Each goal will require a specific approach for the best results.
Also, consider the end user. Will the analytics software be used by lab technicians or professional data analysts? Understanding end-user needs will help you select a healthcare data analytics platform with the most user-friendly features.
Data and Information Security
Demand for healthcare data and information is high. Hackers are always looking for weak systems to exploit and steal patient data. The data is often sold to the highest bidder on the dark web. Breaches can shatter patient trust, and you’ll incur hefty fines from relevant federal and international bodies.
First, ensure that the analytics tool complies with HIPAA and other relevant laws and regulations. Also, ensure that the app uses the best data encryption features. This will protect your data and render it useless should it fall into the wrong hands.
Top-notch authentication features are also an added security layer. Ensure that each access point uses multi-factor authentication.
Seamless Integration
Seamless integration is crucial if you have existing data management systems, for example an electronic healthcare records app and billing software. Transferring data from one system to another manually can be taxing and isn’t efficient. The risk of errors and data corruption are also high.
Look for software that integrates with your existing systems, enabling a holistic view of patient data. It is one of the main reasons why most people prefer custom-made healthcare analytics solutions. They can be built with a focus on interoperability with existing tools.
Ensure that the platform supports standardized data formats to facilitate data exchange across available systems in your healthcare business.
Focus on Scalability
The healthcare industry is dynamic. Your business will grow, and you need a healthcare data analytics platform to keep up with the demands and needs. Opt for software that scales seamlessly to accommodate future growth.
Use a modular approach if you are building the app in-house. This way, you can add more features based on your business demands. Also, consider using cloud-based solutions. This will reduce your need for hardware data storage solutions, which are very expensive.
Implementation and Support
Support doesn’t end after the system is installed. Consider choosing a vendor who can offer 24/7 customer support and user training. Systems can fail at crucial times, and you need quick support to restore and keep everything running.
Evaluate the vendor’s experience in implementing similar solutions. You can learn more about customer support quality by reading reviews from other customers. Also, ensure that the vendor offers comprehensive training programs.
This will help the users utilize the healthcare software well and explore its full potential. Most vendors offer free trials and demos to test the app firsthand. Use the tool and test its features before making your decision.
Ask questions and seek clarification for concerns you may experience when using the app.
Summing Up
The best healthcare data analytics app can transform your business and help you run your hospital or dental office more efficiently. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all healthcare data analytics software solution on the market.
Article and permission to publish here provided by Bailey Merton. Originally written for Supply Chain Game Changer and published on July 12, 2024.
Cover image by Dmitriy Gutarev from Pixabay.