Editor’s Note: This piece was originally published on GovDataDownload.
The impact of predictive analytics spans industries, without a doubt. The ability to leverage data and proactively prevent cyber threats or data crises or even the progression of deadly illnesses is nothing short of innovative. With that in mind, it’s easy to see how the impact of predictive analytics easily applies to the world of healthcare. But the full potential of predictive analytics cannot be reached without the support of a robust IT infrastructure and storage approach.
Mt. San Rafael Hospital, one of healthcare’s “most wired hospitals” according to the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME), is a prime example of the implementation of such an infrastructure and the effective execution of a predictive analytics strategy that puts patient care front and center. A recent case study with the organization showcases how they put NetApp to work to deliver an IT infrastructure that keeps patient data readily accessible for hospital staff, but also safe from potential threats.
Data accessibility and security are paramount for the healthcare industry today and provides healthcare professionals with the information they need to do their job as quickly and proficiently as possible. “Without data, patients cannot be fully engaged in their care. We empower patients with data, because health data can be a matter of life and death,” said Michael Archuleta, Chief Information Officer at Mt. San Rafael Hospital. “Data saves lives!”
Predictive analytics is only one part of Mt. San Rafael’s comprehensive IT approach. Archuleta’s efforts to foster a progressive and forward-thinking IT environment at the hospital started in 2007 when the U.S. government began mandating the use of electronic medical records (EMR) systems. He came to find his work was cut out for him, with legacy hardware and software housed in sever closets throughout the hospital. He knew that needed to change quickly if the hospital was going to truly support the needs of a modern EMR system.
“Step one was building a new data center,” explains Archuleta. “One of our very first decisions was to standardize our storage platform on NetApp AFF storage. We wanted to take advantage of predictive analytics and virtual desktop infrastructure, so we needed the fastest and most-efficient storage available.”
That was just the start of the organization’s IT transformation, improving data center operations and improving uptime from 59 percent to 99.9 percent and moving to 99 percent virtualized servers and 90 percent virtualized desktops. This transformation has bolstered security. The hospital’s predictive analytics runs on Splunk and is powered by NetApp all-flash storage to protect patient records from security breaches.
“Hackers don’t rest. We don’t either,” Archuleta warned. “Cybersecurity isn’t just about data security; it’s also a matter of life and death. Change the culture, improve patient care and make a lifesaving difference!” Mt. San Rafael continues to put patients first with the help of its sophisticated IT infrastructure and reliable partners like NetApp help maintain those values behind the IT curtain.
“Patient care remains our number one priority,” Archuleta said. “Our patients benefit from our technology investments, which are focused on enhancements in safety, quality, and operations.”
