12 Ways Universities Benefit From Applying Health Industry Data Standards

For universities trying to map out a pathway toward long-term stability, turning to data-driven practices is essential. And many universities would benefit from looking at the healthcare industry as a model for changes to their institutional practices. After all, healthcare facilities must be compliant, organized, and careful about documentation.

Read on to discover 12 ways universities benefit from applying healthcare industry data standards.

1. Pursuing Better Data Collection

In the same way that hospitals gather patient data, universities must take a methodical approach to collecting student data across academic departments and other areas of the college. This is essential to track performance benchmarks like retention and matriculation. And it can help universities determine how to allocate money for financial aid and marketing.

2. Optimizing Data Collection Processes

In medical chart abstraction, patient information is culled from medical records and summarized to help improve performance. High medical chart abstraction accuracy can help with anything from compliance to research initiatives. Universities can take a similar approach by looking at data in course or faculty evaluations. Reviewing data and compiling it into user-friendly diagrams can help key stakeholders arrive at faster and more informed decisions.

3. Improving Compliance

All healthcare organizations must commit to regulatory compliance, which involves tracking data and conducting internal audits. Universities can take on similar compliance structures to manage high-stakes requirements, like accreditation, or adhere to FERPA regulations.

4. Managing Risk

Hospitals regularly deal with incidents related to emergency room situations or patients. To stay compliant and monitor the risks they encounter, hospitals have intense incident reporting systems in place. Likewise, universities must monitor campus safety problems and track all incidents and their severity. And universities must monitor academic honesty violations. To do this well, healthcare facilities serve as an excellent resource.

5. Committing to Detailed Documentation

Medical charting is known for being detailed, listing anything from a patient’s medications to their diagnoses and lab results. Academic institutions can benefit from bringing the same rigor to how they capture details related to student performance or disciplinary actions.

6. Creating Seamless Data Flow

Healthcare facilities rely on a complex web of data to deliver services effectively and efficiently. Universities must take the same approach to streamline operations. This means connecting enrollment databases, faculty networks, and other vital systems. Doing this can ensure that faculty can see details on incoming students, for instance, or alumni can reach out to rising seniors about internship opportunities. And all of this contributes to student success.

7. Driving Continuous Quality Improvement

Every university should want to get better. Hospitals focus on continuous quality improvement (CQI) by regularly assessing staff, programs, and protocols. Universities can follow suit by looking at teaching performance, student retention, and other key metrics.

8. Identifying At-Risk Students 

Just as healthcare facilities use predictive analytics to evaluate their trajectories, universities can do the same to target students who may need a little more support. Reaching out to students whose background or prior academic performance is weaker can help them stay off academic probation.

9. Focusing on Upskilling

For healthcare workers, upskilling is a given. They need to learn the latest procedures, techniques, or regulations related to their work in the operating room or clinic. In the same vein, universities need to make sure their employees know about changes to data privacy or compliance. And they also should be trained on the latest teaching techniques to offer better classroom experiences.

10. Offering Transparent Data Governance

Medical ethics is central to operating a credible and respected facility. Universities must do the same by honoring the privacy of student records. Establishing clear standards and educating staff about them is key.

11. Managing Employee Credentials

Individuals in the healthcare field need to maintain updated licensing and even pursue refresher courses to stay licensed. While not all faculty at a university must maintain licenses, they do need to have the right qualifications to teach. Creating systems to track and verify credentials can help ensure preparedness.

12. Using Data for Strategic Decisions

Ultimately, an effective organization is going to harness the power of data to inform its decisions. Hospitals and clinics do this regularly. University leadership should also review data dashboards and benchmarks as they make significant decisions regarding program continuation, hiring needs, and student services.

Looking to Healthcare as a Guide

If universities look to healthcare facilities, they stand to learn a lot about operational efficiency and accountability. Following the lead of hospitals and clinics can allow universities to improve their quality and compliance. And embracing the power of data can contribute to better decisions for the future.