fbpx

When Data in Medicine is the Enemy

IN THIS ARTICLE: Daniel Paull MD explains that there is a lot of focus on data in medicine, which often leads to misplaced values and missing the point entirely.

We are a data driven society.

Data and technology are often seen as ways to conquer the problems that we have today.

Many are trying to apply this to healthcare.

More data and technology will of course lead to better healthcare right?

It depends on how it’s used.

 

If you are using data to find out why your ICU has a higher infection rate than all of the other ICUS then the data will lead to better care.

If you are using data in medicine to decide who is providing a higher “quality” of care tied to reimbursements, then it will have terrible results.

Any time that data metrics are used to determine pay, people will game the system. This is no different for medicine.

 

Any time that data metrics are used to determine pay, people will game the system. This is no different for medicine. Click To Tweet

 

Facilities will stop seeing difficult or noncompliant patients that mess up their numbers.

Tangible numbers will be hit by sacrificing the intangibles.

Not to mention the burden of data collection, which will only take away time spent with the patient, and regularly leads to worse care.

Data can sometimes be the enemy.

 

Tangible numbers will be hit by sacrificing the intangibles.

 

What is most important isn’t always easy to measure, and what is easy to measure isn’t always important.

The myriad of technological solutions that many are offering to better our healthcare system miss the mark and are largely efforts placed in the wrong direction.

Share

Tweet this:

Earn CME credit:

This learning experience is powered by CMEfy - a platform that brings relevant CMEs to busy clinicians, at the right place and right time. Using short learning nudges, clinicians can reflect and unlock AMA PRA Category 1 Credit.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Get updates and learn from the best

Uncovering Culinary Secrets

13 culinary medicine articles, released weekly. Written by a certified internal medicine physician, board-certified in culinary medicine & obesity medicine, whose focus is on prevention and treatment of chronic disease.

Uncovering Culinary Secrets

13 culinary medicine articles, released weekly. Written by a certified internal medicine physician, board-certified in culinary medicine & obesity medicine, whose focus is on prevention and treatment of chronic disease.

Susan J. Baumgaertel, MD FACP

Navigating Your Health (with Dr. Susan Baumgaertel)

Dr. Baumgaertel draws upon her 30 years of experience as a physician in primary care internal medicine, and uses her personal story-telling style to communicate with you as if you are sitting right across from her. Pull up a chair and enjoy.

Hope Seidel, MD

Hope Seidel, MD

Our children are an invitation to our growth, and their health depends on our willingness to heal ourselves.

Richa Mittal, MD

Richa Mittal MD

“I share tools to help people live a life in balance in order to have a life well-lived.”

Support A Platform that Celebrates Real Doctors

For just $10 a month, you can help keep this openly accessible site available to all & help us sposnor in more doctors.

logo

BRANDING? Oh yes!

Drop your email to get our 5 Tips for Branding as a Professional

I acknowledge that this site is not to be used for medical advice.

Play Video
Our Founder Answers Your BURNING Question

SoMeDocs

“Why should I become a member of SoMeDocs if I already have my own space online?”