Last updated on December 14th, 2022 at 05:30 am

Data governance is often thought of in the tech industry because of its impact on the development and maintenance of applications, websites, and more. However, data governance plays an even greater role in the healthcare industry. Healthcare organizations are responsible for collecting, storing, and using sensitive patient information, which requires secure, compliant systems to keep that data safe and accessible.

Data governance experts from platforms such as Profisee and Microsoft Purview share how healthcare organizations can take advantage of a data governance program to ensure compliant handling and effective use of patient data.

What Is Data Governance?

Data governance is managing and enforcing standards, policies, and procedures to ensure the proper use of data within an organization. It involves creating a strong system where data is collected accurately, stored safely, and used responsibly. Data governance typically includes setting up rules for user access, assigning roles and responsibilities among stakeholders to monitor data usage, and creating protocols to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Data governance tools like Microsoft Purview and Syniti Data Governance can help healthcare organizations maintain the necessary controls over their data. By using data governance, healthcare organizations can improve the accuracy and usability of their data, which in turn helps them provide better patient care.

Data Governance Protects Patient Privacy

In healthcare, data governance is a critical component of protecting patient privacy. It requires organizations to design systems that comply with national and international laws and industry standards for security, privacy, safety, integrity, accuracy, and reliability. Patient privacy is protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which establishes rules for data security, and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, which sets standards for secure electronic health records.

By keeping patient information secure, data governance also helps to maintain trust between healthcare organizations and their patients. Trust is essential for delivering quality care and developing successful patient-provider relationships. It also keeps healthcare providers compliant with the many laws, regulations, and standards that govern the industry.

Data Governance Improves Quality of Care

Healthcare organizations with effective data governance systems can lead to a higher quality of care. Accurate data helps healthcare providers make decisions based on reliable information, leading to better-informed diagnoses and treatments. For example, suppose a patient comes into the emergency department with chest pain. In that case, a doctor may rely on data from the patient’s medical history to diagnose the condition quickly and accurately. By having an effective data governance system, healthcare providers can ensure that accurate patient information is available when needed.

Strong data governance makes it easier for doctors and other healthcare professionals to access patient records quickly in emergencies, reducing the risk of delayed or incorrect diagnoses and treatments. It also helps healthcare organizations keep track of patient outcomes, allowing them to identify areas for improvement and better tailor their services to each patient’s needs.

Data Governance Enhances Security

Good data governance equips healthcare organizations to respond effectively in the event of a security breach. Hospitals, healthcare clinics, and other providers are prime targets for cyberattacks due to the sensitive nature of the data they possess. If a data breach were to occur, the organization must be able to identify the cause and assess the damage quickly.

Data governance can help protect the security of patient information by setting up measures like secure passwords, encryption, and advanced authentication protocols. Additionally, having a system that monitors user access and tracks changes to data can help organizations quickly detect and respond to any data security incidents.

Data Governance Makes Healthcare More Efficient

Effective data governance can streamline many processes within a healthcare organization, resulting in greater efficiency. Automated systems for tracking patient information and managing user access enable teams to work faster and more effectively. Streamlined processes also reduce the risk of errors due to manual data entry, leading to higher-quality care.

Efficiency from data governance improves fiscal performance by reducing costs associated with manual data entry, storage, and backup. By automating processes and utilizing data analytics to reduce waste, healthcare organizations can achieve significant cost savings that can be invested back into patient care.

Final Thoughts

Data governance is essential for healthcare organizations to protect the security of patient information, ensure quality care, and improve operational efficiency. By implementing a data governance system, healthcare providers can better meet their organizational goals while keeping their patients safe and satisfied with the level of care they receive. By having an effective system in place, healthcare organizations can ensure that they are equipped to meet the changing needs of their population and remain compliant with legal regulations. In short, data governance is essential for keeping healthcare organizations efficient and successful.