What is Healthcare Data Analytics? Why is it Important for Patient Care?

The healthcare industry has been undergoing constant transformation and implementing novel systems and processes hand and in hand with the digital revolution. This indicates a need for the adoption of clinical data management to thrive in a dynamic business environment as well as provide patients with world-class treatment. The intermingling of big data and healthcare leads us to healthcare data analytics, wherein data ensures that organizations are better equipped to offer value, efficiency, and care at affordable costs. 

What is Data Analytics in Healthcare?

The healthcare industry generates profound amounts of data every day; this data can be used to glean insights and effectively improve the quality of patient care. Healthcare data analytics help improve how medical facilities function by using medical data analytics from a variety of sources. The primary objective of healthcare data analytics is to improve patient care and streamline healthcare processes. 

Benefits of Healthcare Data Analytics

Healthcare data analytics has become essential to modern healthcare practices due to a renewed focus on patient care and increased operational efficiency of healthcare organizations. Some of its benefits are:

• Providing detailed electronic health records 
• Supporting clinical treatment decisions 
• Delivering real-time alerts to healthcare providers
• Providing in-depth insight into a patient’s health and treatment
• Improving the speed and accuracy of identifying disease risk in patients 
• Integrating data from devices such as fitness watches, cellphones, etc  
• Providing efficient healthcare and reducing costs

Examples of How to Use Healthcare Analytics

Here are a few examples of how and where healthcare data analytics could make a difference:

1. Healthcare Fraud

Healthcare analytics can help detect and predict healthcare fraud, thus mitigating risks and strengthening security. 

2. Data Security

Healthcare data is critical. Therefore, it is vital to keep the data secure from breaches and security threats. Healthcare data analytics minimizes such threats by monitoring networks and detecting risks, anomalies, and suspicious activities.

3. Clinical Data Analysis

By analyzing clinical data through various sources, such as electronic medical records and personal health records, healthcare data analytics can be used for diagnosis and enhancing clinical processes.

ALSO READ: How to Become a Healthcare Data Analyst: A Comprehensive Guide

The Role of a Healthcare Data Analyst

The typical roles of a healthcare analyst are as follows: 

• Organizing and maintaining databases 
• Transforming data into easily understood insights 
• Collecting data through sources such as electronic health records, cost reports, etc 
• Providing recommendations and supporting decision-making to improve facility operations
• Finding trends and pattern through data analysis 
• Sharing key findings with stakeholders
• Implementing healthcare database security protocols

Skills You Need to Become a Healthcare Data Analyst

Healthcare data analytics combines two of the fastest-growing fields today, i.e., healthcare and data analytics. It is no surprise then that equipping oneself with the right skill set can lead to a successful and rewarding career. Here are the skills you need to establish a fulfilling career in the domain:

Technical Competencies

• Knowledge of statistics and mathematics
• Proficiency in data wrangling, storage, and retrieval
• Familiarity with programming languages such as SQL
• An understanding of visualization tools like Sisense 
• Knowledge of medical terminology

Soft Skills

• Communication
• Interpersonal skills
• Time management

How to Become a Healthcare Data Analyst

Step 1: Get the Required Education

Consider getting a degree in a related field; it can equip you with the right skills and knowledge and prepare you for the role.

Step 2: Gain Hands-on Experience and Technical Skills

You can gain hands-on experience through internships or working in other similar roles. Obtaining experience in the field is a great way to learn and gain new skills.

Step 3: Consider Online Courses and Bootcamps

Consider taking an online course that will help you obtain the necessary credentials required to become a healthcare data analyst. 

Step 4: Work on Projects with Real Data and Build Your Portfolio

Project portfolios are a great way to showcase your technical skills and knowledge of the field. You can use publicly available data for your projects or consider online courses where you can learn to work on such projects and build your portfolio. 

Step 5: Build Your Healthcare Knowledge

Healthcare data analysts offer insights and recommendations through data. It is thus important to have an understanding of healthcare. If you lack knowledge about the field, consider taking a course in healthcare. 

Step 6: Connect with Others in the Industry

Networking with others in the field of healthcare data analytics can boost your skills and enhance your knowledge. Your peers in the industry can provide and share feedback, and resolve queries that help you advance your career. 

Step 7: Ask Someone to Mentor You

Try to connect with an expert who can provide valuable feedback and guide you through your career. A great mentor can have a significant impact on your career. 

Step 8: Apply for Entry-Level Jobs

After working on your skills and building your knowledge, you can start looking for entry-level jobs. 

Healthcare Data Analytics Jobs

Healthcare data analytics is a growing field and jobs are expected to grow in this space, creating excellent opportunities for professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), research analysts specifically and healthcare jobs in general are projected to grow by 23% and 13%, respectively, between 2021 to 2031. 

Healthcare Data Analyst Salary

The range of the salary for a healthcare data analyst in the U.S. falls between $55,985 and $79,498, with an average remuneration of $70,533. This pay is also influenced by various factors such as education, skills, experience, location, and employer. It is a lucrative and prestigious position with great scope for career advancement. 

Actionable insights gained from diverse data sources can significantly increase the accessibility and efficiency of the healthcare space for people across the world. If you want to know more about the intersection of healthcare with technology, such as AI and data science, check out the healthcare courses at Emeritus and get cracking!

By Krati Joshi

Write to us at content@emeritus.org