scholarly journals From the back room to the front room: Combining clinical and financial information to support evidence-based decision making

Author(s):  
Nathalie Robertson ◽  
Marcus Loreti

IntroductionDecisions in healthcare are not based on a single piece of evidence. Decision-makers consider a broad range of information, including patient, system and financial information. Canadian healthcare decision-makers now have access to linked clinical and financial data – at the patient level - via an online, private tool. Objectives and ApproachThe objectives of this presentation are to showcase the power of having linked inpatient and ambulatory care clinical and financial data, as presented in an online tool. More specifically, two separate scenarios will be worked through, demonstrating how key decisions can be impacted by having record-level clinical and financial information. For example, a hospital may make a different decision when looking at the price differential of performing some surgeries and keeping patients overnight, versus performing these same surgeries in day surgery context and sending patients home. Supporting drill-down detail and visualizations will also be showcased. ResultsThe presentation will focus on the importance of leveraging and integrating available information to better support decision-making. The presentation will emphasize how this tool, which uses linked clinical and financial data, is an example of the integration of new information sources into traditional decision-making practices. For example, with the availability of detailed cost estimates tied to clinical information, decision-makers have the ability to provide budgeting and costing estimates, by area, for different patient types. This is particularly important for health organizations that do not have a patient costing system in place. Conclusion/ImplicationsTools that integrate information in an easy to use format allow decision-makers to access important information quickly, thus facilitating more time to gather supplemental information and consider the information at hand, ultimately supporting evidence-based decision-making.

2010 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet Harris ◽  
Karen Kearley ◽  
Carl Heneghan ◽  
Emma Meats ◽  
Nia Roberts ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1802-1802
Author(s):  
Valerie Friesen ◽  
Mduduzi Mbuya ◽  
Lynnette Neufeld ◽  
Frank T Weiringa

Abstract Objectives The use of evidence on program performance and potential for impact for decision making in food fortification programs is limited and often done in isolation from other micronutrient interventions. We present a framework for fortification stakeholders responsible for making program recommendations and decisions to facilitate and document evidence-based decision making. Methods First, we reviewed the literature to define the key decision makers and decisions necessary for effective fortification program design and delivery, informed by a clear impact pathway. Then we classified decisions by domain, identified data sources and criteria for their assessment, and adapted the GRADE Evidence to Decision framework to summarize the results. Finally, we considered how the framework would apply to different country programs to test its utility. Results Policymakers, particularly government ministries, and the food producers themselves are the most important decision makers in a fortification program, while technical support agencies, donor agencies, and the research community play important roles in translating data and evidence into contextualized recommendations that meet the needs of different decision makers. The main fortification decision types were classified into five domains across the impact pathway: 1) program design (need, food vehicle(s)); 2) program delivery (compliance, quality, coverage); 3) program impact (nutrient intake and status); 4) overlapping micronutrient interventions and/or under-served populations; and 5) decisions to continue or stop programs. Important criteria for the assessment of each decision type included priority, benefits/risks, equity, acceptability, and feasibility among others. Country examples illustrated the importance of coordinating decision-making in the context of overlapping micronutrient interventions to ensure continued safety and impact over time. Conclusions This framework is a practical tool to enable evidence-based decision making by fortification stakeholders. Using evidence in a systematic and transparent way can enable more effective program design, delivery, and ultimately health impacts. Funding Sources Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1366-1366
Author(s):  
Solomon Eshetu Hailu ◽  
Tesfaye Bekele ◽  
Namukolo Covic ◽  
Desalegn Kuche ◽  
Beza Teshome ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Despite much nutrition research conducted in Ethiopia, none has described existing opportunities for synergy or possible missed opportunities to use research to inform policy and program decisions to foster accelerated progress. The study aimed to describe prevailing processes on evidence use in formulating nutrition policy and program decisions and identify potential barriers and opportunities for evidence-based decision-making for nutrition for Ethiopia's context. Methods In 2017, 29 purposively selected key informants (KIs) were interviewed. They were identified using a consultative stakeholder mapping workshop and represented National Nutrition Program coordinators, key actors in government sectors, program coordinators from selected local and international NGOs, local and international universities and research institutes involved in nutrition research and key actors in policy decision-making. A framework analysis including identifying themes, coding, indexing, charting, mapping and interpretation was used. A validation workshop discussed findings and added perspectives to interpretation. Results The KIs perceived that demand for evidence from the Ethiopian government had been increasing over time. Majority referred to poor research quality as a barrier for using research in decision-making processes. Other challenges identified included limited cross-linkage, coordination gaps between researchers and decision makers, and inadequate translation of research evidence into meaningful information for policy makers. Availability of different forums, research dissemination conferences and suitable institutional structures that enable research and evidence dissemination were considered to be opportunities that should be leveraged to inform policy making. Conclusions The quality of research, and of collaborative engagement between those who produce evidence and decision makers who formulate policies need to be strengthened. Regular evidence dissemination events and publication of action oriented easy to read briefs could increase use of evidence among nutrition policy makers. Funding Sources Ethiopian Public Health Institute and Evidence-informed Decision-making in Health and Nutrition Network.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel G Tabak ◽  
Renee G Parks ◽  
Peg Allen ◽  
Rebekah R Jacob ◽  
Stephanie Mazzucca ◽  
...  

ObjectiveThe nearly 3000 local health departments (LHDs) nationwide are the front line of public health and are positioned to implement evidence-based interventions (EBIs) for diabetes control. Yet little is currently known about use of diabetes-related EBIs among LHDs. This study used a national online survey to determine the patterns and correlates of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Community Guide-recommended EBIs for diabetes control in LHDs.Research design and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted to survey a stratified random sample of LHDs regarding department characteristics, respondent characteristics, evidence-based decision making within the LHD, and delivery of EBIs (directly or in collaboration) within five categories (diabetes-related, nutrition, physical activity, obesity, and tobacco). Associations between delivering EBIs and respondent and LHD characteristics and evidence-based decision making were explored using logistic regression models.ResultsAmong 240 LHDs there was considerable variation among the EBIs delivered. Diabetes prevalence in the state was positively associated with offering the Diabetes Prevention Program (OR=1.28 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.62)), diabetes self-management education (OR=1.32 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.67)), and identifying patients and determining treatment (OR=1.27 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.54)). Although all organizational supports for evidence-based decision making factors were related in a positive direction, the only significant association was between evaluation capacity and identifying patients with diabetes and determining effective treatment (OR=1.54 (95% CI 1.08 to 2.19)).ConclusionSupporting evidence-based decision making and increasing the implementation of these EBIs by more LHDs can help control diabetes nationwide.


Author(s):  
Amy Grove ◽  
Tom Sanders ◽  
Sarah Salway ◽  
Elizabeth Goyder ◽  
Susan Hampshaw

<sec id="st1"> Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceived usefulness of a diabetes economic model as a potential tool for aiding evidence-based decision making in public health.</sec> <sec id="st2"> Methods Fifteen interviews and two focus groups, with four participants in each, were conducted with health and management professionals working in one public health department in a local council. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis to generate four themes.</sec> <sec id="st3"> Findings The findings reflect attitudes and beliefs of a diverse staff group situated in public health services. Findings reveal that the economic model was perceived as useful and participants reported positive views regarding the principles of economic modelling for decision making. However, it was potentially problematic in practice due to organisational constraints linked to limited resources, restricted budgets and local priorities. Differences in institutional logics of staff working across public health and local government departments were identified as a potential barrier to the use of the model in practice.</sec> <sec id="st4"> Discussion The findings highlight anticipated challenges that public health practice and policy decision-makers could face if they selected to implement an economic modelling approach to fulfil their evidence needs. Previous studies have revealed that healthcare decision makers would find evidence around the economic impacts of public health interventions useful, but this information was not always available in the format required. This paper provides insights into how public health staff perceive economic modelling, and explores how they use this type of evidence when making public health practice and policy decisions.</sec>


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document