Healthcare is an industry that stands to benefit a great deal from data and analytics. At the same time, the sensitivity of the data in the sector is extreme and how organisations manage that data is critical.

Yalchin Oytam, the Head Of Clinical Insights And Analytics at South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) is right in the thick of the discussion. He joins us on the Data Futurology podcast to talk through both the challenge and opportunity.

One of the big challenges that the Australian health system faces, Oytam said, was that primary healthcare was handled by the federal government and secondary care was handled by the states. How the sharing of data between these two is handled is critical to maintaining the customer experience with their health care. More importantly, if data can be leveraged to improve outcomes in primary care, it can reduce the burden on secondary care. Oytam gives the example of diabetic patients being diagnosed and accurately cared for by their GPs have a much lower risk of an unplanned hospital visit.

“When you keep people out of hospital, it also means that they are generally healthier, more productive, and happier. In human terms, the benefit of this goes beyond money,” he said.

The other big opportunity in healthcare is the use of data modelling to personalise healthcare services. Modelling can be used to detect warning signs and risk factors, and more proactively communicate with patients. In the longer term this can result in earlier diagnosis and better risk management – and it’s just one area where this approach to data can lead to meaningful change. “The question is how do we best manage our climate, while also maximizing the quality of life for human beings, and other life forms,” Oytam said.

“A better world certainly is possible.”

Tune in to the podcast for an in-depth discussion on how data can deliver better health and lifestyle outcomes for us all.

Enjoy the show!

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Read the full podcast episode summary here.

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