The Role and Scope of Data Management in a Changing Health Services Delivery Environment

Abstract

Data Management is the analysis and definition of data which is to be captured to produce the required information, and the identification of the processes needed to capture data most effectively. Data Management must be done in a coordinated way, led by data and information management specialists, in order to maximize the value of the data and minimize the cost of data capture for the entire health services delivery system. Data Management includes identifying standard data definitions and the corresponding data capture processes as well as facilitating the more complex information and data management responsibilities. Integrated information systems require new management processes to ensure that data is of sufficient quality, is adequately secure, is used for the purposes agreed to, and is disposed of appropriately when no longer required. The more data is used for productive purposes, the more its value increases and the unit cost of capture decreases. Data standards ensure comparability across many diverse sources and enhance administrative processes, accountability measures, service provider information exchange, and security provisions. A minimum set of standard data also ensures that information providers are not burdened by redundant data requests.