Delivering efficient and financially sustainable behavioral health services can be a significant challenge for health systems. However, with the right data tools and strategies in place, health systems can better position themselves to optimize their workflows, better support their patients and providers, and transform their behavioral health service lines.
By honing in on data tracking and visualization, organizations can ensure their behavioral health programs are operating to the highest standards and delivering the best possible patient care.
Data tells a story and helps identify opportunities for improvement
Tracking behavioral health data enables healthcare organizations to identify opportunities for improvement and continuously build upon and optimize their action plans.
Zack Buckareff, Director of Product, Iris Telehealth
We use data to impact the patient journey throughout the healthcare continuum. Behavioral health touches a lot of different specialties and patients from a lot of different areas. When I think about data-driven insights, I think about measurement-based care where we’re doing more with surveys and capturing trends. Data driven insights evaluates both patient and program trends.
Data tracking ensures health systems aren’t just meeting immediate needs, but also laying the groundwork for long-term improvement.
One way of conducting data collection could be leveraging behavioral health surveys or looking at claims data to better understand that patient’s journey. These insights highlight patient prescriptions, whether their prescription was filled, or if the patient frequents the emergency department (ED).
There are also standard screenings that some regulatory bodies require – like PHQ-9 for depression or GAD-7 for anxiety. However, the data most critical to improving outcomes depends on the community and the patient population.
Yara Nielsenshultz, RN, MS, CPHQ, Executive Director of Quality
To be actionable, you have to be able to identify what you can take action on. The question becomes, how do you know what action to take? That’s where data comes in. Data helps you identify opportunities for improvement, track progress, and continuously build on your action plan to sustain success.
While measuring patient and program performance against internal metrics, it’s also important to look at national benchmarks. When your organization looks outside of its own bubble, you can set better metrics and drive conversations around where you’re landing compared to your peers.
Putting all this information together provides a pulse on the patient experience and outlines how a health system’s programs and services are performing overall.
How health systems can overcome common barriers to effective data use with visualization tools
While there are many benefits of data-driven care, many health systems face significant obstacles in fully leveraging their data. Due to fragmented workflows, human error, and stigma, behavioral health often lags behind other specialties.
While health systems have troves of behavioral health data, it can be challenging to know exactly what to do with it. However, streamlining processes and investing in tools that integrate data from multiple sources, can help make data accessible and accessible for all stakeholders.
For example, visualizations are incredibly useful for behavioral health data and can transform complex datasets into clear, actionable insights. Dashboards linked to EMRs can help monitor trends, such as patient no-show rates, and make efficient adjustments to improve outcomes.
Yara Nielsenshultz, RN, MS, CPHQ, Executive Director of Quality
[Data visualizations like] dashboards are really great because they allow you to see patterns, identify opportunities, and monitor progress. Once you’ve met your goal, it’s important to check the dashboard periodically to confirm you’re maintaining success. It’s about being proactive and staying on top of changes in real time.
While tools like spreadsheets help communicate what’s going on in the patient journey, visualizations bring the stories to life.
The future of behavioral health lies at the intersection of technology and care
The future of behavioral health lies at the intersection of technology and care – here’s how we’re seeing trends shaping up in the new year:
- AI and predictive modeling: These tools can help identify at-risk patients and prevent costly emergency department visits.
- Behavioral health integration: Connecting behavioral health with specialties like endocrinology or oncology can provide robust, wrap-around care for patients and a reduction in total cost of care or health systems.
- Ethical innovation: Leveraging data is an essential part to improving key performance metrics, but it must be done responsibly. It’s vital to ensure AI and other technologies are used responsibly, maintaining patient trust and safety.
By staying ahead of these trends, health systems can revolutionize care delivery and ensure behavioral health receives the attention it deserves.
Where Iris fits in
Transforming the behavioral health patient journey starts with data. By embracing actionable insights, streamlining workflows, and adopting innovative tools, health systems can deliver the efficient, sustainable care their patients need.
Want to learn how your organization can leverage data to help your patient population? Contact us today to learn more about our services!
