Differing data uses and healthcare acumen.

Data uses in healthcare are becoming increasingly important as the industry continues to shift towards value-based care. Data is used for a variety of purposes throughout the healthcare system, from patient health and safety monitoring to population health analytics, quality measurement and improvement, clinical decision support, cost management, research and development. Different types of data can be used depending on what specific insights are needed. For example, clinical data such as lab test results or vital signs can help providers diagnose and treat individual patients while administrative data such as claims or insurance enrollment information can provide insight into larger trends in population health.

Healthcare acumen refers to the ability to understand and apply knowledge related to the field of healthcare in order to make decisions or solve problems efficiently. This includes both technical knowledge (e.g., understanding medical terminology) as well as an understanding of how organizations work within a given context (e.g., regulatory requirements). As technology continues to evolve and become more integrated within healthcare systems, it is essential that individuals possess adequate skillsets necessary for navigating their environment effectively with respect to different stakeholders’ needs (e.g., providers, payers). Those with good healthcare acumen will be able leverage available resources like data more effectively than those who don’t possess these skillsets—the ultimate goal being improved outcomes for patients alongside better financial performance for organizations across the board.