An important part of statistics is collecting and analyzing data in order to arrive at conclusions. Statistics is viewed by some as a branch of mathematics, while others see it as a stand-alone discipline within mathematics. In healthcare, statistics are used extensively. Accidents, disease incidence, cure rates, hospital fees, malpractice, mortality, drugs, treatments, and medical devices can all be considered when compiling health statistics. It is the study of disease and human health that is the focus of health stats. In order to discover disease patterns, scientists look at people’s health status. Using this information, researchers can find a solution or an effective method of disease control. Statistical analysis is also used by healthcare organizations in order to help them make decisions and create policies that benefit both the organization and the patients (National Institute of Health, 2019-a). For example, statistics can be used to improve health care quality and safety while also promoting wellness among the general population.
Quality
Health care organizations frequently use statistics to assess their own performance. The reliability of numerical data in determining a company’s success or failure is unquestionable. When it comes to quality management, data on performance is used to create standards that encourage improvement toward excellence. Statistics are also the foundation of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) (EBP). Explanatory, judicious, conscientious, and reasonable use of the best available evidence is a key component of evidence-based medicine (EBM) (National Institute of Health, 2019-a). A patient’s care is based on the best decisions possible based on a compilation of statistics. The best health outcomes can be achieved through the use of statistics to improve health care quality.
Safety
Statistical methods are used to ensure the safety of patients. The problem of patient safety in the organization can be better understood through the use of statistics. For patients with specific characteristics, it is possible to use data on outcomes and patient outcomes to assess the level of safety in the facility. According to Bernazzani (2018), there were approximately 2 million cases of hospital-acquired infections, of which approximately 100,000 died as a result of complications. Hospital-acquired infections cost the United States an estimated $20 billion each year. In light of these findings, healthcare providers can take action to improve infection control and patient safety (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2018). In addition, statistics are used in the study of patient safety research. For example, researchers can use data on the effectiveness of strategies implemented to a small portion of the population to determine the best method for promoting safety.
Promoting Good Health
Health promotion is essential to the health of both the community and the individual because it enhances strategies for preventing chronic diseases and promoting overall health. Physical activity, a healthy diet, and abstaining from smoking and drinking are the most commonly discussed aspects of health promotion. In order to instill a sense of urgency in the public about the importance of health promotion strategies, statistics are required. In the majority of health promotion cases, statistics are present. The likelihood that someone with a history of tobacco use will develop a chronic disease increases when they learn that seven out of ten people with this history develop a chronic disease. The gap in health promotion can also be determined using statistics. Providers use health statistics to tailor health promotion efforts to local conditions (National Institute of Health, 2019-a).
Leadership
An organization’s and its boards of directors’ performance measurements are determined using statistical analysis. The effectiveness of current leadership or the need for a change can be assessed using statistics on the organization’s performance. Statistics are also used by leaders in their day-to-day activities, particularly when making decisions. Leaders use statistical data to determine the best staffing ratio, funding allocation, cost of medical services and goods, effectiveness and establishment of clinical experiments.
Health Data Hospital
A common respiratory illness in the United States is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Pediatric pneumonia and bronchiolitis can be caused by the Virus, which affects the lungs. RSV is a common childhood illness that nearly all children contract before they turn 2 years old (National Institute of Health, 2019-b). Approximately 2 million outpatient visits and around 100,000 hospitalizations are made each year due to the virus (National Institute of Health, 2019-b). Around 64 million people are infected by the virus, which kills an estimated 200 000 people worldwide. The development of an RSV vaccine is a top priority for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Primary sources of statistics used in health care include medical records, vital records and surveys; administrative data; disease registries; peer-reviewed literature; claims (insurance, appointments and bills) information; and data from administrative records. Tracking data from RSV-related ER visits and admissions helps our hospital develop policies and best practices. The creation of statistical data is also aided by the use of charts. Clinics and doctor’s offices can access the collected data through a central computer program that is accessible throughout the entire medical network.
The NIAID, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) all have access to data gathered on RSV. As of now, there is no vaccine for RSV, but the National Institutes of Health (NIAID) is using the statistical information it has gathered to begin the process of developing a vaccine (National Institute of Health, 2019-b). Data is analyzed, interpreted, and presented in reports for management and researchers to use in planning.
Using Statistics to Make Decisions
The use of health statistics in policymaking is critical for both the general public’s and individuals’ well-being. RSV, for example, has a season that begins in October and ends in May (National Institute of Health, 2019-b). In February, the incidence rate is the highest. Seasonal data is used to determine diagnostic tests, policies, and medication. Prophylaxis products are made available based on demographic data and statistics on the prevalence and incidence of the virus in the area. It is also used to forecast population growth and staffing requirements.
Conclusion
Health care relies heavily on statistics. There is a lot of statistical data and analysis used to evaluate the care environment and patient safety. Health promotion and leadership are also important considerations in this process. In most scientific investigations, data are taken into account in the decision-making process through the use of statistics in the context of uncertainty.
References
Bernazzani, S. (2018, October 5). Tallying the high cost of preventable harm. Retrieved from https://costsofcare.org/tallying-the-high-cost-of-preventable-harm/
National Institute of Health. (n.d.). About health statistics. Retrieved from https://www.nlm.nih.gov/nichsr/stats_tutorial/section1/index.html
National Institute of Health. (2019, January 29-a). Health statistics. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/healthstatistics.html
National Institute of Health. (2019, April 09-b). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Retrieved from https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2018, June 06). Data. Retrieved from https://www.ahrq.gov/data/index.
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