Baltimore, Maryland-based Sage Growth Partners and McLean, Virginia-based Verato recently released a result polls Many healthcare systems were found to be inaccurate with patient details, which negatively impacted patient care, financial and operational goals.
Survey of 100 Healthcare Leaders Reports Most Healthcare Organizations Believe They Can’t Generate Accurate 360-Degree Views of Patients Despite the Need to Understand “Who’s Who” to Improve Patient Outcomes, Increase Profitability, and Accelerate Initiatives , including digital transformation and population health management.
The report states that patient identity information is relevant for most strategic priorities. A vast majority of 88 percent cite patient identity as key to improving the patient experience, and 75 percent cite patient identity as necessary to improve care management, the report said. Additionally, 72% of respondents expressed “concern” or “extremely concerned” that siloed, inaccurate personal data can negatively impact the bottom line and quality of care. Not only that, but 60% even say patient identity data is important to all functions and programs within the organization. 73% said patient identity is also critical to the digital front door.
“These executives know they have to have the right patient data to activate these priorities, but unfortunately, not many of them are able to achieve this with the success rate they want. They lack confidence in their patient data , and for good reason. Most identity resolution algorithms are only around 65 percent accurate, which means that nearly half of an organization’s patient data may be erroneous, duplicated, or fragmented.” Villato in an email. “The 65 percent accuracy rate achieved with basic or built-in identity resolution software is not enough, especially when patient care is online.”
Inaccurate patient identity data creates problems for managing risk and population health, ultimately increasing health inequalities, the report said. Additionally, siloed, inaccurate patient data can hurt not only the quality of care but profits, though the report doesn’t provide any details on how big the financial impact might be.
Despite the importance of accurate data, only 14 percent said they were very satisfied with the current level of accuracy of patient identity management solutions, the report said.
The survey shows that health systems rank the following three top strategic priorities: improving patient satisfaction scores (42%), addressing resiliency and workforce shortages, and digital transformation initiatives (37%). Accurate patient information directly impacts all three. For example, correct patient identification can improve patient satisfaction and experience. Conversely, incorrect data can lead to false test results, treatment delays and poor patient outcomes, the report said. Additionally, if patients receive incorrect information from a care provider, they are likely to turn to another, the report said.
Nearly all (91%) respondents said that a comprehensive, comprehensive understanding of patient data—for example, race, place of residence, ethnicity—is either extremely or somewhat important. Nearly all (92%) indicated that social determinants of health were critical to achieving the goals of the analysis.
In addition to patient satisfaction, respondents said their second-largest priority was digital transformation initiatives, with 86 percent saying the pandemic had accelerated the need for digital offerings to gain and maintain patience, the report said. The report defines these as seamless clinical and patient experiences and facilitating patient access.
However, respondents indicated problems with accurate patient information – from data fragmentation to identity issues – which the report said could be attributable to mergers and acquisitions as multiple EHR solution platforms joined. For example, laboratory data or EHRs may contain erroneous or incomplete or redundant data.
“Integrating patient data from disparate sources, such as EHRs, billing systems, and more, can dramatically reduce duplication of records and improve interoperability and data accuracy across the healthcare organization,” Ritchey said in an email. “With the right data solutions, healthcare organizations can improve patient experience, operational efficiency and patient satisfaction — important issues during the Covid pandemic and beyond.”
The research was conducted by Sage Growth Partners. Villato commissioned the report.
Photo: Getty Images; Graphics: Verato Market Reports
