Big data has increasingly become important in a lot of industries. One particular industry in which big data can and should be used is in the healthcare industry, though, surprisingly, it is not used as widely as it should be.
The healthcare industry is a very large one and there are so many possibilities of using big data to improve this industry with results that can be predicted fairly accurately. Using big data has so much potential in this particular industry which is why it is surprising that it is not being used in the way that it should. Let’s take a closer look at how the healthcare industry can use big data.
1. Reduce Medication Errors
Medication errors do happen. Sometimes, it may not be a problem, not that it’s alright. However, on some occasions, it can be very, very serious, leading to a bad reaction or possibly even death. Humans will make errors and when receiving medication, it is always a good idea to stop and check it before walking off. If you notice people in a queue waiting for medication, once they receive it, they pretty much walk away. Take a few seconds to make sure it is correct. The use of big data can dramatically reduce such errors. Thorough analysis of the patient’s medical records will help to flag something that isn’t quite right. The use of software can help to reduce errors, help physicians and also save billions of dollars a year. It can also save lives.
2. Singling Out High-Risk Patients
A lot of healthcare systems have to put up with many patients using the emergency department again and again. This increases healthcare costs and does not really make things better for the patient either. By using predictive analytics, it is very conceivable to reduce such visits to the ER from the same patient and it is also more possible to customize the care for such patients. Lack of data can make it difficult to do this however, with the use of big data, it will improve the situation and reduce costs.
3. Reduce Wait Times & Costs
One thing is clear; big data can reduce costs in the healthcare industry (as well as many other industries). An added bonus is the ability to reduce wait times. How often have you heard (or have perhaps experienced it yourself) of nightmare stories where someone needed help badly but were waiting for 7 hours? This costs everyone money. Predictive analytics can offer staffing solutions. Based on information and predictive analytics, staff can be allocated in such a way as to reduce the wait times during a certain period. The ability to cut costs is there, yet many healthcare institutions have failed to capitalize on this.
4. Help To Prevent Fraud
The healthcare industry is one that will contain so much personal information. This means that it is many more times likely to be at risk of fraud, identity theft and security breaches. The use of big data analytics can help to dramatically reduce these risks and save millions of dollars every year.
Many healthcare institutions are not adopting the concept of big data which is a shame, because there are so many advantages in doing so. Billions upon billions of dollars can be saved every year. Learning from big data courses and implementing big data platforms can completely change the healthcare system for the better. Big data can help save money and make it easier for patients as well.
