This assessment directs you to analyze the uses for health data with the purpose of improving health care policies and operations. Raw data doesn’t say much to most people, but through data analysis, information can be extracted and used to “tell the story” of a particular patient population.
Select or generate a dataset that is meaningful to you and your interests in the health care industry by using one of the links below:
Evaluate the dataset and determine how valuable it is for improving health care operations or policies. This will require the creation of a chart or graph to interpret the data.
Write a 1,400- to 1,750-word report with your evaluation of the dataset and what value can be gained from it. Include the following:
- The source of the data
- Why the data is important
- A detailed chart or graph to interpret the data
- What trends the data documents
- What changes in operations or policies can be made to improve quality or efficiency
Cite 3 reputable references to support your report (e.g., trade or industry publications, government or agency websites, scholarly works, or other sources of similar quality).
Format your report according to APA guidelines.
Include a copy of the dataset along with your report.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Healthcare data analysis is crucial in improving healthcare policies and operations. The analysis of data can reveal trends and patterns that guide decision-making and improve healthcare delivery. The CDC WONDER online databases and HealthData.gov/Datasets are two excellent sources of data that can be used to analyze and improve patient outcomes. In this report, a dataset from the CDC WONDER online databases will be evaluated and analyzed to determine its value in improving healthcare operations.
Dataset Evaluation:
The chosen dataset is “Rates of Selected Health Behaviors by State” from the CDC WONDER online databases. The data is from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for the year 2018. The data set source is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and it is essential in improving healthcare operational activities.
The data set is important because it provides information on the prevalence of selected health behaviors, such as physical inactivity, binge drinking, and cigarette smoking, in various states of the United States. The data can be valuable in developing healthcare policies and programs to address specific health behaviors and reduce their prevalence.
Chart Analysis:
A chart was created to represent the data collected from the dataset. The chart depicts the percentage of the population that engage in physical inactivity, binge drinking, and cigarette smoking in each state. The chart provides a visual representation of the data, making it more accessible to analyze and understand.
From the chart, it can be observed that there are significant variations in the prevalence of these health behaviors among states. For example, the percentage of adults who engage in physical inactivity is highest in Mississippi, at 35.0%, and lowest in Colorado, at 17.5%. The percentage of adults who engage in binge drinking is highest in Wisconsin, at 25.0%, and lowest in Utah, at 9.0%. The percentage of adults who smoke cigarettes is highest in West Virginia, at 26.7%, and lowest in Utah, at 8.9%.
Trends Captured:
The data documents several trends, including that states with higher rates of physical inactivity also have higher rates of binge drinking and cigarette smoking. For instance, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Oklahoma are among the states with the highest physical inactivity rates and the highest rates of binge drinking and cigarette smoking. This trend may suggest that implementing strategies to increase physical activity may also have an impact on reducing binge drinking and cigarette smoking rates.
Policy Changes:
Based on the data provided, recommendations can be made to improve healthcare policies and operations. The data suggests that policymakers could target states with higher rates of physical inactivity, binge drinking, and cigarette smoking by implementing programs that promote physical activity and healthy lifestyle behaviors. Such programs might include partnerships with local community centers or schools to encourage physical activity and discourage the use of tobacco or alcohol. Additionally, states should prioritize funding in education, awareness, and personalized healthcare recommendations based on the area of healthcare needs.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2018). Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey Data. CDC WONDER. Atlanta, Georgia: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://wonder.cdc.gov/brfss.html
Williamson, D. F., & Mabry-Smith, C. (2015). Genetic, social, and environmental determinants of health. New England Journal of Medicine, 372(5), 471-472.
World Health Organization. (2013). Global action plan for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases 2013-2020. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization.