Evidence-based Operations Management in Health Information Management: A Case Study

Area of Science:

• Health Information Management
• Healthcare Operations
• Evidence-Based Management

Background:

• Centralized health information management (HIM) departments are crucial in integrated healthcare systems.
• Effective management practices are essential for optimizing HIM operations and demonstrating value.
• The evolution of reporting tools like dashboards and KPIs has impacted organizational performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the impact of evidence-based management practices within a centralized HIM department.
• To examine the role of dashboards and key performance indicators (KPIs) in communicating the value of HIM.
• To identify key themes related to the implementation and reception of performance management tools.

Main Methods:

• A case study approach was employed within a large integrated healthcare delivery system.
• Data collection involved interviews and focus groups with relevant personnel.
• Analysis included de-identified performance dashboards and key performance indicators (KPIs) developed since 2012.

Main Results:

• Evidence-based management is deeply integrated into the organizational culture.
• Regular communication via dashboards and KPIs effectively conveys the value of HIM across the organization.
• Staff engagement extends beyond reporting, with individuals developing personal performance tracking methods.

Conclusions:

• The study underscores the integral role of evidence-based management and performance reporting in HIM.
• There is a critical need for the HIM profession to establish national and regional benchmarks for operations management.
• Developing benchmarks will aid professionals in effective management and in communicating the value of HIM to the broader healthcare industry.