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Categories Blog Tags Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Data Analytics, Healthcare

Leveraging Data Analytics to Reduce Patient Readmissions: Bizzell’s Impact on Healthcare Quality

Leveraging Data Analytics to Reduce Patient Readmissions: Bizzell’s Impact on Healthcare Quality

By Editorial Staff

Hospitals face many unseen challenges in today’s ever-changing medical landscape. Service utilization, rising care costs, patient readmissions, optimal staffing, and insurance navigation are but a few issues that may arise in healthcare settings. Reducing patient readmissions is a critical priority in healthcare, as it improves patient outcomes and helps alleviate the strain on healthcare resources. In this realm, Bizzell US (Bizzell) stands out as an industry leader, harnessing the power of data analytics to drive transformative change and enhance patient care. High rates of patient readmissions present significant challenges and costs to healthcare systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over $52.4 billion (about $160 per person in the US) is spent annually to care for patients readmitted to the hospital within 30 days (about four weeks) for a previously treated condition[1]Is the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program Associated with Reduced Hospital Readmissions? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9113654/. Frequent readmissions strain already stretched healthcare resources, especially amid the rise of COVID-19.

Various analytics techniques shape healthcare strategies. These strategies include predictive, prescriptive, descriptive, and discovery analytics. Predictive analytics aid in anticipating patient outcomes and optimizing prevention efforts, while prescriptive analytics focuses on treatment optimization. Descriptive analytics help us understand healthcare trends over time, including quality of care. It is often used to create reports about changes in historical data over time.

An example of this could be to look at how many face masks are ordered during a pandemic and the types requested during each pandemic. Prescriptive analytics occur when health problems are complex and fuse medical knowledge with data. Most evidence-based medical treatments are supported by prescriptive analytics.

Leveraging a complete spectrum of analytic tools enables us at Bizzell to redefine patient care and enhance the healthcare experience. Predictive analytics also operate on past performance, summarizing historical data to visualize new trends. Predicting risks in drug dosages, clinical trials, epidemic spreads, etc., these analytics find hidden patterns and illuminate them for healthcare professionals. Funding and allocation of funds are moved around utilizing these analytics. Planning healthcare resources, such as how many gauzes or vaccines to order, are confirmed through analytics. Discovery analytics uses knowledge to discover new medical trends, including treatments or instruments[2]The use of Big Data Analytics in healthcare https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8733917/.

At Bizzell, our team of analytics experts is at the forefront of leveraging big data to support the reduction of patient readmissions. From analyzing patient records and drug costs to transforming clinical practice, our commitment to improving healthcare quality and administration shines through in every project we undertake.

Data analytics empower healthcare agencies to make informed decisions and revolutionize their approaches to healthcare delivery. Bizzell, a leader in the field, utilizes advanced analytic methodologies to extract actionable insights from vast datasets. For instance, Bizzell’s support of heart disease and stroke prevention involves sophisticated GIS analyses and statistical modeling to inform strategic priorities and program effectiveness.

Bizzell’s innovative solutions have yielded tangible results in reducing patient readmissions across various healthcare settings. For instance, by implementing predictive analytics models, we successfully identified at-risk patients and implemented targeted interventions to prevent readmissions. These interventions have significantly improved patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency, demonstrating the efficacy of Bizzell’s approaches. We assist our clients by applying advanced machine learning or predictive modeling techniques that uncover hidden patterns that contribute to our hospital partners not functioning optimally. From crisis planning and women’s health to combatting higher readmission rates, the need for data collection is high, but the value lies in the ability to sift through it all to find a true story.

The benefits of utilizing analytics in hospitals cannot be emphasized enough. Beyond cost savings, we aim to encompass improved patient outcomes and enhanced healthcare quality nationwide. Our partnership with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) prospective payment system (PPS) for inpatient psychiatric facilities (IPFs) shows examples of our commitment to this work. Our focus was to re-adjust the standardized federal per diem payment rates paid to the 1,535 participating hospitals nationwide to account for cost changes (like wages) and resource utilization. These rate adjustments consider the beneficiary’s age, selected chronic conditions, and facility-level adjustments on ruralness, teaching status, and qualifying emergency department visits. In 2019, IPFs collectively served over 200,000 Medicare beneficiaries. For this project, ensuring we had the correct data and comparing the data over time was crucial for success.

There is immense potential for further advancements in using analytics to address patient readmissions and other factors contributing to hospital challenges, such as high supply costs, underutilized services, and streamlining healthcare processes. Bizzell remains at the forefront of this innovation, continuously striving to refine its methodologies and expand its impact. By contributing to ongoing efforts to improve healthcare quality and efficiency, Bizzell is driving positive change and shaping the future of healthcare delivery.

References

[1] Is the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program Associated with Reduced Hospital Readmissions? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9113654/#:~:text=A%20significant%20portion%20of%20the, be%20attributed%20to%20hospital%20readmission.&text=In%20addition%2C%20over%20%2452.4%20billion, for%20a%20previously%20treated%20condition
[2] The use of Big Data Analytics in healthcare https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8733917/#:~:text=descriptive%20analytics%20in%20 healthcare%20is,making%20informed%20decisions%20%5B33%5D

Categories Blog Tags Data Analytics, Global Health, Maternal & Child Health

Transforming Data Through Healthcare: Bizzell’s Analytic Expertise

Transforming Data Through Healthcare: Bizzell’s Analytic Expertise

By Editorial Staff

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, data analytics have a profound impact on transformative and patient-centric care. As we navigate the complexities of modern healthcare, data analytics revolutionize the way we understand, administer, and improve healthcare services.

Data analytics allow healthcare agencies to make informed decisions about ways to revolutionize their approaches to healthcare. Organizations and agencies in the healthcare sector are at the helm of change, steering us to unprecedented advancements. Enhancing healthcare quality can occur through advancing analytic methodologies. Analyzing vast datasets allows organizations such as Bizzell to extract trends to be implemented and applied[1]The use of Big Data Analytics in healthcare https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8733917/. Many types of analytics are utilized in developing strategies in the healthcare industry. An example of this can be found in Bizzell’s support of heart disease and stroke prevention. Bizzell performs GIS analyses and produces maps that support the priorities of the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention. Providing statistical support, utilizing databases relating to heart disease and stroke prevention outcomes and cardiovascular disease risk factors, we can conduct statistical analyses for agency members. We use this data to document the burden of heart disease and stroke and the reach of existing programs and policies that aim to increase quality of life.

There are other types of analytics used to develop healthcare strategies. These include predictive analytics, prescriptive analytics, and descriptive analytics. Predictive analytics include anticipating patient outcomes and disease patterns to optimize prevention. This would also include investigating staffing models and analyzing equipment utilization for appropriate resource distribution. Prescriptive analytics focuses more on treatment and historical data for patients, while descriptive analytics involves summarizing and interpreting historical data to find trends and patterns. Utilizing the complete spectrum of analytic tools can help redefine what we think we know about patient care and allow the opportunity to innovate modern technology to aid health navigation and enhance the overall patient experience.

Using data as a framework for technological advancement is also crucial to healthcare evolution. Programs such as machine learning algorithms and natural language processing such as the Natural Language Toolkit (NLTK), can help to develop personal treatment plans and extract insight from clinical notes. Remote patient monitoring allows providers to monitor the patients’ progress in real-time through wearable devices. Data analytics are utilized broadly throughout the healthcare system, from tech innovation to population health management. It also streamlines processes such as ordering medical supplies and inventory management.

At its core, data is a tool to be used for medical evolution, ushering in a wave of precision that has never been seen before. Using data to enhance personalized patient care, and tailoring treatments for environmental, medical, lifestyle, and genetic factors has never been easier than it is today.

Another example of this is our national work around vaccination rates. Bizzell supported efforts designed to increase vaccination rates for routinely recommended vaccines given to pregnant women, children, and adolescents. Our target was 14 metropolitan service areas across the U.S. with high numbers of non-medical exemptions in their kindergarten population. This was accomplished by enhancing the immunization culture in OB/GYN, family practices providing prenatal healthcare, and childbirth classes. We developed and disseminated educational materials to over 100 OB/GYN sites and childbirth education professionals. Bizzell staff worked with OB/GYN sites to modify workflows, implement quality improvement, and collect data throughout the project to evaluate implementation.

At Bizzell, our team of public health professionals, scientists, and researchers have extensive experience in sustainability and capacity building, program management, quality assurance and improvement, network development, and growth in healthcare settings. We use innovative algorithms and programs such as  BigML, SAS (Statistical Analysis Software), TableauR, and Excel. Our expertise includes working with vulnerable populations and racially and culturally diverse audiences on several public health issues. We have experience successfully reaching and training providers who serve vulnerable populations, understand the clinical realities facing programs serving vulnerable populations, and can create compelling products that engage our various audiences.

Our commitment to excellence in the healthcare sector extends beyond patient care to the very administrative processes that support healthcare systems. The crux of Bizzell’s analytical impact lies in its positive influence on patient outcomes. In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare administration, organizations embracing data analytics find themselves equipped with powerful tools to navigate challenges, enhance efficiency, and pave the way for a more streamlined and effective healthcare ecosystem that patients deserve.

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8733917/
Categories Blog Tags Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19, Data Analytics, Global Health, Infectious Disease

Pioneering Innovation in Infectious Disease Surveillance: Bizzell’s Impact on Global Health

Pioneering Innovation in Infectious Disease Surveillance: Bizzell’s Impact on Global Health

By Editorial Staff

In the context of global health outcomes, innovative infectious disease surveillance is crucial. As the world grapples with emerging health challenges, the role of robust data collection is pivotal. At its core, infectious disease surveillance can be simplified into a three-pronged framework. At Bizzell, this structure is Detect, Monitor, and Respond, or simply DMR, which emphasizes the capability to detect, monitor, and respond to infectious diseases accurately and precisely.

1. Early Detection: Time is of the essence when it comes to infectious diseases. Innovative surveillance mechanisms can serve as early warning systems, which help detect emergent diseases in their infancy. We believe that building strong and resilience health systems against public health threats begins with a strong health system that provides capacity and capabilities to detect threats. Identifying outbreaks swiftly can make or break global health responses. Proactive approaches are instrumental in preventing and protecting our most vulnerable communities nationwide. Proactive approaches in data collection and detection strategies also allow for the appropriate allocation of resources. Understanding the biological dynamics and trajectory of new and emerging threats can assist in deploying limited personnel, medical instrumentation, and funds in the most effective and strategic ways to maximize efficacy. Bizzell supports early detection processes through data analysis, corrective action plans, and monitoring progress. We provide technical assistance to agencies to establish or improve sentinel sites through standard surveillance-based indicators and community event-based surveillance.

2. Monitoring: Infectious diseases have no concept of borders, race, nationality, or religion. Facilitating real time data exchanges between nations and international health organizations is crucial in fostering global collaboration. Monitoring allows for a collective response to health threats, allowing shared resources, pooled knowledge, and insights to be shared both nationally and internationally. Monitoring also allows for the development of more accurate predictions of pathogenic behavior. This can help develop more concrete and strategic preparedness plans which reduce the impact of infectious diseases on communities.

3. Rapid Response: The speed in which we respond to infectious diseases plays a pivotal role in minimizing the economic impact of outbreaks. By containing diseases at an early stage, countries can avoid widespread disruptions to trade, travel, and productivity. This proactive stance safeguards economic stability and ensures that societies can rebound swiftly from health crises. The response to new health threats is one of the most important pillars in our framework as it is crucial in building public trust and confidence in government and health systems. Compliance has an enormous impact on prevention and stabilization during a health crisis. Appropriate, accurate and innovative communication about infectious disease surveillance, data, and best practices will encourage efforts to control the spread of disease.

There are many new examples of emerging technologies for infectious disease surveillance. Some of these recent technologies include wastewater surveillance, which has gained popularity through testing wastewater for COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 levels, to determine infection rates[1]National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/wastewater-surveillance.html#:~:text=Wastewater%20surveillance%20 captures%20presence%20of,or%20decreasing%20 in%20a%20sewershed
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Other examples of innovative technologies include digital epidemiology, syndromic surveillance, social media monitoring, and artificial intelligence or machine learning. Bizzell uses real-time technology such as eIDSR (under the DHIS2 and the CEBS) for data collection, record, analysis, and interpretation public health to assist with public health decision making. A strong surveillance program is one that can integrate the digitalization of the laboratory system which is the backbone for epidemiological surveillance.

Driving innovation in infectious disease surveillance is not just technological but strategy-based as an imperative for global and national health security. The ability to detect, monitor, and respond to health threats with more precision and innovation can be the difference between safeguarding the health, prosperity, and livelihood of future generations or succumbing to mass loss of life. Knowing this, we provide technical and professional support services in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of Global Health Protection (DGHP). We provide services and support in field epidemiology, surveillance, emergency management, and laboratory activities that enhance the CDC’s capacity to monitor and support the implementation of the DRC’s vision to promote a healthier, safer world that can prevent, detect, and respond to disease outbreaks and public health threats.

At Bizzell, we prioritize global solutions to health. We are committed to developing collaborative strategies, weaving together multidisciplinary approaches, strategic partnerships, and innovative technologies. By leveraging diverse expertise and fostering collaborations, Bizzell enhances global health outcomes, ensuring a comprehensive and unified response to complex health challenges. We hope that other health leaders duplicate the DMR framework for infectious disease surveillance as we all continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and other emerging threats.

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/wastewater-surveillance.html#:~:text=Wastewater%20surveillance%20captures%20presence%20of,or%20decreasing%20in%20a%20sewershed
Categories News Tags Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Communications & Outreach, Contracts, COVID-19, Data Analytics, Data Validation and Administrative Contract (DVAC), Health, Quality Improvement, Special Populations

Bizzell Supports Development of CMS Nursing Home Toolkit to Combat COVID-19

Bizzell Supports Development of CMS Nursing Home Toolkit to Combat COVID-19

The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) supported the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the development and release of the Toolkit on State Actions to Mitigate COVID-19 Prevalence in Nursing Homes. The toolkit is designed to facilitate efforts to manage the spread of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in nursing homes, and includes strategies, best practices, and resources to assist long-term care facilities with disease control and prevention, gaining access to personal protective equipment (PPE), managing the transfer of patients, implementing protocols around visitation and staffing, and more.

Bizzell assisted CMS by facilitating the coordination, organization, design, editing, and 508 compliance remediation of the toolkit. Content for the toolkit was curated by a number of experts, including health care providers, Governors’ COVID-19 tasks forces, associations, community partners, and the 12 Quality Innovative Network-Quality Improvement Organizations (QIN-QIOs).

In addition to nursing homes, the toolkit was distributed to Governors, health departments, and other agencies and facilities that serve elderly populations at the local and state levels. Learn more about the toolkit here: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-issues-nursing-homes-best-practices-toolkit-combat-covid-19

This work is in support of the CMS Data Validation and Administrative Contract (DVAC), in which Bizzell was selected to lead and evaluate the improvement of quality healthcare programs—including nursing home care.

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