Predictive Analytics Can Improve Clinical Outcomes Wellsky Study Finds

OVERLAND PARK, Kansas—WellSky, a health and community care technology company, released a new report detailing results from a three-year study of home health care providers using predictive analytics tools in patient management. The study, “Improving home health outcomes using predictive analytics,” demonstrates agencies using WellSky CareInsights for Home Health consistently outperform those that do not in two critical areas: hospitalization rates and care efficiency, said Wellsky.
 
In comparing agency performance in the year before implementation of WellSky CareInsights to the 12-month period after implementation, the study found that providers experienced 12% lower risk-adjusted 60-day hospitalization rates. Over three years, there are even more pronounced differences. Providers using the solution consistently and ubiquitously in daily processes saw risk-adjusted 60-day hospitalization rates 26% lower than non-users. Rehospitalization is expensive and can contribute to poor health outcomes, so keeping patients from returning to the hospital post-discharge is top of mind for many providers.
 
“Our team has implemented WellSky CareInsights into our daily process,” said Haley Brown, vice president of clinical services for Concierge Home Care. “For the first time ever, we have an incredibly helpful tool to guide decision-making. The ability to see multiple aspects of the patient chart as a snapshot allows for optimized care plan oversight. The technology also encourages our clinical team to review recommendations and then challenges our team to critically think through interdisciplinary collaboration.”
 
The study also found providers were able to manage episodes of care more efficiently using predictive analytics. After one year of using WellSky CareInsights, providers averaged eight percent fewer visits per admission year-over-year. Over three years of sustained use, large agencies’ visits/admission were 32% lower than non-users and top users’ visits/admission were 45% lower than non-users.
 
“Ultimately, providers are not aiming for fewer visits but better episode management,” said Tim Ashe, chief clinical officer at WellSky. “This, coupled with lower hospitalization rates and improved patient outcomes, becomes a meaningful measure of efficiency. Home health providers are facing many difficult challenges: soaring demand for services, sicker patients and complex regulations just to name a few. WellSky’s predictive analytics solutions help providers more effectively meet their patients’ needs, which means they can take more referrals at the same staffing levels and continue to deliver high-quality care.”
 
WellSky CareInsights for Home Health delivers vital population- and patient-level insights to clinicians at the point of care so they can make informed, individualized decisions to improve the patient experience. Visit Wellsky’s website to learn more about WellSky’s predictive analytics solutions or to download a complete copy of the report.
 
Summary of key findings: