Can OPOs use predictive analytics to save lives?
Predictive analytics is the use of data, statistical algorithms, and data learning techniques to identify the likelihood of future outcomes.
Although the concept has been around for quite a while, predictive analysis software is much more user-friendly today. No longer confined to statisticians, predictive data is now being used by businesses to get a better sense of what may happen in the future – and pinpoint how they can improve upon past performance.
OPOs can use predictive analytics to discover where in the organ transplant supply chain they can concentrate to make the most crucial improvements – so transplant outcomes are more successful and hospital resources better utilized.
A recent UNOS predictive analysis committee report stated, “Improvement is best driven by medical evidence and a thorough understanding of the real-life practice of donation and transplantation.” There is a need for “greater communication, transparency and accountability to foster improved donation and transplant community performance.”
The committee agreed that “these (analytical) themes are integral to success for the transplant system as a whole and may serve as a foundation for future work by the OPTN, and other key stakeholders.”
Opportunities where OPOs can apply predictive analytics include:
- dispatching initial responders to donor hospitals faster
- determining the best locations for OPO offices
- selecting courier companies
- optimizing staffing models
- shortening time between organ referral and recovery
- reducing organ transportation times
- enhancing communication between stakeholders
Research suggests that OPOs are currently in the descriptive phase when an error occurs. In other words, they can describe what aspects of the process went awry, but tend to get stuck there – thinking each transplant scenario has its own positive and negative issues.
But systems can be improved upon by looking at the data points as a whole. What can OPOs and transplant hospitals do to be more proactive and data-driven with regard to the current organ supply chain?
Rather than focusing on one-time issues, predictive analysis can be used to implement a continuous quality improvement program based on the “hardwiring” of quality practices, driving improvement in the OPO and hospitals’ organ, eye, and tissue donation programs.
That hardwiring process is where MediGO can be of most help, using real-time, accurate data analytics to draw vital conclusions. By using MediGO apps, at every phase of the supply chain, data can be collected, information optimized and better pathways recommended for the next donor case. Lives can be saved, while OPOs and transplant hospitals can adjust their schedules to meet shifting demands.
MediGO’s customers at OPO and transplant hospitals can thrive in the “green” stage of data analytics work.
We’re happy to demonstrate how MediGO can use these proven technologies to benefit you and the communities you serve.
Meet MediGO today and schedule a demo here: https://www.gomedigo.io/demo