Prompted by a unique, post-affiliation data environment, Adirondack Health Institute (AHI) and the Adirondacks Accountable Care Organization (ACO) set a vision to build a cohesive health data system across the two organizations. Challenges included disparate data sources and systems across AHI’s programs and the ACO’s providers, as well as diverse organizational analytic needs. This presentation shares two approaches the organizations developed and implemented to consolidate data and efficiently communicate that data to stakeholders. These foundational solutions ensure that data is effectively utilized by the integrated analytics team and then communicated in meaningful and actionable ways to stakeholders.
Tool: We leveraged two primary tools to create a more efficient data system: 1) A SQL database server managed by a vendor capable of ingesting data from both our regional health information exchange (clinical data) and from our contracted health plans (claims data), and 2) Web-embedded PowerBI via Microsoft Azure
Problem: The overarching problem was an inefficient process for accessing, analyzing, and sharing health data across AHI and the ACO. The two primary sub-issues were: 1) consolidating the disparate data sources and systems across the two organizations, and 2) managing differing data analytic needs across the various programs
Tool Selection: We selected the SQL database for its evidence-based ability to ingest both claims and clinical data and its flexibility allowing both team-generated reporting and leveraging of existing health information exchange reports. We selected the web-embedded PowerBI platform based on its flexibility in securely sharing a variety of reports with consumers
Usage: The SQL database has allowed for the generation of comprehensive, whole-person reports containing actionable quality and value-based information for ACO providers and population health and care management outcomes for AHI’s programs. The PowerBI technology has been used to securely and efficiently share these customer-focused, interactive reports in an accessible, web-based environment
Results: We built a successful data system through consolidating data storage, access, and sharing that effectively utilizes and communicates actionable data. Implementing and sustaining these tools involves informal PDSA cycles for continuous improvement and application of change management techniques. Barriers include engaging data contributors and users, and various technical challenges
