SCIO Health Analytics reported five predictions on trends that will likely impact payers, providers and consumers in the new year.
Behavioral analytics for a rounded-out picture of patients — The industry will place more focus on behavioral analytics, as opposed to only analyzing claims, clinical and financial data. Providers will likely gather new data on patients, such as their geographic regions, income levels and socioeconomic statuses. SCIO Health Analytics believes providers and payers will leverage population-based data to assess the efficacy of various care plans. Ultimately, understanding the attitudes of patients and what drives them will guide institutions to deliver better care and outcomes.
Insights-as-a-service — Demand for data analytics to boost outcomes will likely overwhelm healthcare organizations in 2017. Thus, many will seek outside help to shift data into actionable insights. SCIO Health Analytics predicts more institutions will enter long-term partnerships for analytical services, as the data becomes more complex and consequential.
Fraud, waste and abuse of opioids — SCIO Health Analytics anticipates the campaign to halt fraud, waste and abuse of opioids will strengthen in the coming year. Significant media attention and demand for reducing costs of prescription medications will spur this campaign. Analytics comes into play in this arena as well, helping determine trends and patters of opioid abuse and educational programs that could curb the epidemic.
Big data to develop patient personas — Healthcare institutions may begin using big data to create patient personas, or "representative models of a segment of a population." Equipped with the necessary population health data, organizations and payers can now predict better treatment plans and promote healthier lifestyles.
Payer and provider collaboration — SCIO Health Analytics also anticipates more cooperation between payers and providers, as value-based care and shared risk aligns their interests.