The Ins and Outs of Database Management Systems in Healthcare

Database management systems are software that handles the storage, retrieval, and updating of data in a computer system. Many different industries and professions use database management systems, but it could be argued that no industry relies on them more heavily than the healthcare industry.

According to the accounting organization Deloitte, global healthcare expenditures are expected to rise at an annual rate of 5.4% between 2017 and 2022. In order to keep up with this expected growth, many healthcare companies have turned to health database management systems for assistance.

In this article, I will discuss the ins and outs of database management systems in the healthcare industry.

What is healthcare data management?

Healthcare data management is a process of storing, protecting, and analyzing data taken from diverse resources. Managing the wealth of available healthcare data gives health systems an opportunity to generate a holistic view of a patient, personalize treatment, enhance communication and health outcomes.

Which type of database management system do healthcare industries use?

Although there are many types of healthcare database management systems that health care industries use, such as OLAP (online analytical processing) or EHR, the OLTP (online transaction processing) database is utilized most often. This type of database management system is used by healthcare companies because of their speed and efficiency.

OLTP databases allow for quick, real-time transactional processing and deliver rapid response times. For example, when a patient presents their name at the front desk, the receptionist can search for their name in the electronic health record (EHR) and instantly see a result. The electronic health record (EHR) is made possible through the use of OLTP databases. Being able to instantly find out a patient’s information saves time and improves efficiency.

Use cases

What is the role of databases in healthcare? Let’s explore together.

• Databases collect data about healthcare operations. All information starting from medications and prescriptions to encounter and discharge forms are kept in the healthcare database.
• Healthcare databases help medical organizations to understand their daily activities and role in the healthcare industry, which enables healthcare professionals to make decisions about the way they are managed.
• Database facilitates the exchange of information between hospitals. In case a patient needs a service from a different healthcare provider in a different hospital, a database is there to make sure that the exchange of information is successful.

Pros of database management systems in healthcare

In addition to providing fast and efficient service, there are several other reasons why healthcare industries are beginning to integrate database management systems into their companies. The following are benefits of using a DMS system in your company:

• The ability to make more informed business decisions. Database management systems allow healthcare professionals to make more informed business decisions due to the ample amount of data they have access to. The more data that healthcare professionals have access to, the better chance that they make the most informed decision possible.
• Improved patient engagement. Improving patient engagement is of high priority for many healthcare professionals, and database management systems do just that. They do this by using predictive modeling and analysis that incentivize patients to engage with their healthcare professionals.
• Improved population health outcomes. The third most impactful reason why healthcare industries are beginning to integrate database management systems into their companies is that they improve population health outcomes. They do this by tracking current health trends and predicting upcoming ones.
• An extra layer of security. Last but not least, database management systems provide an extra layer of security for all of the information that is stored online. Database security is extremely important to have for all industries, but even more important for the healthcare industry because they have a lot of people’s personal and private information.

Although there are many other benefits of using database management systems for healthcare industries, these four are the most impactful.

Cons of database management systems in healthcare

The two major cons of database management systems in healthcare are raw and siloed data.

Raw data is data that you have received, but do not fully understand how to interpret. For example, if you are flooded with a bunch of information from your database but do not understand what to do with it in order to improve your medical practice, then that would be considered raw data.

The other major con of database management systems is siloed data. Siloed data means that each application has its own database. The reason why this is a con is that it is important for healthcare organizations to be able to cross-reference data in a fairly easy manner. Not being able to do so makes it that much harder for healthcare organizations to come up with new and innovative ideas, and solutions to problems.

Unfortunately, siloed data is a natural result of the OLTP database architecture, and if you are using OLTP databases, there is nothing you can do to fix this problem. However, the use of a second database called OLAP (online analytical processing) can help fix these problems. Although this second database will help, it can be problematic due to the confusion that it could cause within healthcare organizations. Not only can it cause confusion, but it is also expensive to use two separate databases as well.

Bottom line

In summary, database management systems are the key for healthcare organizations to keep up with the rapid growth of healthcare expenditures. Without database management systems, healthcare expenditures would be growing at a rate that healthcare organizations could not keep up with. If healthcare organizations cannot keep up with this growth, it would negatively impact the entire world, and any advancements in medicine or healthcare would be hard to come by.

While it is true that database management systems are not perfect, they are definitely a necessity, and it is important that everyone understands their purpose when it comes to healthcare.