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Categories Blog Tags Data Analytics, Global Health, Maternal & Child Health

Transforming Data Through Healthcare: Bizzell’s Analytic Expertise

Transforming Data Through Healthcare: Bizzell’s Analytic Expertise

By Editorial Staff

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, data analytics have a profound impact on transformative and patient-centric care. As we navigate the complexities of modern healthcare, data analytics revolutionize the way we understand, administer, and improve healthcare services.

Data analytics allow healthcare agencies to make informed decisions about ways to revolutionize their approaches to healthcare. Organizations and agencies in the healthcare sector are at the helm of change, steering us to unprecedented advancements. Enhancing healthcare quality can occur through advancing analytic methodologies. Analyzing vast datasets allows organizations such as Bizzell to extract trends to be implemented and applied[1]The use of Big Data Analytics in healthcare https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8733917/. Many types of analytics are utilized in developing strategies in the healthcare industry. An example of this can be found in Bizzell’s support of heart disease and stroke prevention. Bizzell performs GIS analyses and produces maps that support the priorities of the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention. Providing statistical support, utilizing databases relating to heart disease and stroke prevention outcomes and cardiovascular disease risk factors, we can conduct statistical analyses for agency members. We use this data to document the burden of heart disease and stroke and the reach of existing programs and policies that aim to increase quality of life.

There are other types of analytics used to develop healthcare strategies. These include predictive analytics, prescriptive analytics, and descriptive analytics. Predictive analytics include anticipating patient outcomes and disease patterns to optimize prevention. This would also include investigating staffing models and analyzing equipment utilization for appropriate resource distribution. Prescriptive analytics focuses more on treatment and historical data for patients, while descriptive analytics involves summarizing and interpreting historical data to find trends and patterns. Utilizing the complete spectrum of analytic tools can help redefine what we think we know about patient care and allow the opportunity to innovate modern technology to aid health navigation and enhance the overall patient experience.

Using data as a framework for technological advancement is also crucial to healthcare evolution. Programs such as machine learning algorithms and natural language processing such as the Natural Language Toolkit (NLTK), can help to develop personal treatment plans and extract insight from clinical notes. Remote patient monitoring allows providers to monitor the patients’ progress in real-time through wearable devices. Data analytics are utilized broadly throughout the healthcare system, from tech innovation to population health management. It also streamlines processes such as ordering medical supplies and inventory management.

At its core, data is a tool to be used for medical evolution, ushering in a wave of precision that has never been seen before. Using data to enhance personalized patient care, and tailoring treatments for environmental, medical, lifestyle, and genetic factors has never been easier than it is today.

Another example of this is our national work around vaccination rates. Bizzell supported efforts designed to increase vaccination rates for routinely recommended vaccines given to pregnant women, children, and adolescents. Our target was 14 metropolitan service areas across the U.S. with high numbers of non-medical exemptions in their kindergarten population. This was accomplished by enhancing the immunization culture in OB/GYN, family practices providing prenatal healthcare, and childbirth classes. We developed and disseminated educational materials to over 100 OB/GYN sites and childbirth education professionals. Bizzell staff worked with OB/GYN sites to modify workflows, implement quality improvement, and collect data throughout the project to evaluate implementation.

At Bizzell, our team of public health professionals, scientists, and researchers have extensive experience in sustainability and capacity building, program management, quality assurance and improvement, network development, and growth in healthcare settings. We use innovative algorithms and programs such as  BigML, SAS (Statistical Analysis Software), TableauR, and Excel. Our expertise includes working with vulnerable populations and racially and culturally diverse audiences on several public health issues. We have experience successfully reaching and training providers who serve vulnerable populations, understand the clinical realities facing programs serving vulnerable populations, and can create compelling products that engage our various audiences.

Our commitment to excellence in the healthcare sector extends beyond patient care to the very administrative processes that support healthcare systems. The crux of Bizzell’s analytical impact lies in its positive influence on patient outcomes. In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare administration, organizations embracing data analytics find themselves equipped with powerful tools to navigate challenges, enhance efficiency, and pave the way for a more streamlined and effective healthcare ecosystem that patients deserve.

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8733917/
Categories Blog Tags Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19, Data Analytics, Global Health, Infectious Disease

Pioneering Innovation in Infectious Disease Surveillance: Bizzell’s Impact on Global Health

Pioneering Innovation in Infectious Disease Surveillance: Bizzell’s Impact on Global Health

By Editorial Staff

In the context of global health outcomes, innovative infectious disease surveillance is crucial. As the world grapples with emerging health challenges, the role of robust data collection is pivotal. At its core, infectious disease surveillance can be simplified into a three-pronged framework. At Bizzell, this structure is Detect, Monitor, and Respond, or simply DMR, which emphasizes the capability to detect, monitor, and respond to infectious diseases accurately and precisely.

1. Early Detection: Time is of the essence when it comes to infectious diseases. Innovative surveillance mechanisms can serve as early warning systems, which help detect emergent diseases in their infancy. We believe that building strong and resilience health systems against public health threats begins with a strong health system that provides capacity and capabilities to detect threats. Identifying outbreaks swiftly can make or break global health responses. Proactive approaches are instrumental in preventing and protecting our most vulnerable communities nationwide. Proactive approaches in data collection and detection strategies also allow for the appropriate allocation of resources. Understanding the biological dynamics and trajectory of new and emerging threats can assist in deploying limited personnel, medical instrumentation, and funds in the most effective and strategic ways to maximize efficacy. Bizzell supports early detection processes through data analysis, corrective action plans, and monitoring progress. We provide technical assistance to agencies to establish or improve sentinel sites through standard surveillance-based indicators and community event-based surveillance.

2. Monitoring: Infectious diseases have no concept of borders, race, nationality, or religion. Facilitating real time data exchanges between nations and international health organizations is crucial in fostering global collaboration. Monitoring allows for a collective response to health threats, allowing shared resources, pooled knowledge, and insights to be shared both nationally and internationally. Monitoring also allows for the development of more accurate predictions of pathogenic behavior. This can help develop more concrete and strategic preparedness plans which reduce the impact of infectious diseases on communities.

3. Rapid Response: The speed in which we respond to infectious diseases plays a pivotal role in minimizing the economic impact of outbreaks. By containing diseases at an early stage, countries can avoid widespread disruptions to trade, travel, and productivity. This proactive stance safeguards economic stability and ensures that societies can rebound swiftly from health crises. The response to new health threats is one of the most important pillars in our framework as it is crucial in building public trust and confidence in government and health systems. Compliance has an enormous impact on prevention and stabilization during a health crisis. Appropriate, accurate and innovative communication about infectious disease surveillance, data, and best practices will encourage efforts to control the spread of disease.

There are many new examples of emerging technologies for infectious disease surveillance. Some of these recent technologies include wastewater surveillance, which has gained popularity through testing wastewater for COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 levels, to determine infection rates[1]National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/wastewater-surveillance.html#:~:text=Wastewater%20surveillance%20 captures%20presence%20of,or%20decreasing%20 in%20a%20sewershed
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Other examples of innovative technologies include digital epidemiology, syndromic surveillance, social media monitoring, and artificial intelligence or machine learning. Bizzell uses real-time technology such as eIDSR (under the DHIS2 and the CEBS) for data collection, record, analysis, and interpretation public health to assist with public health decision making. A strong surveillance program is one that can integrate the digitalization of the laboratory system which is the backbone for epidemiological surveillance.

Driving innovation in infectious disease surveillance is not just technological but strategy-based as an imperative for global and national health security. The ability to detect, monitor, and respond to health threats with more precision and innovation can be the difference between safeguarding the health, prosperity, and livelihood of future generations or succumbing to mass loss of life. Knowing this, we provide technical and professional support services in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of Global Health Protection (DGHP). We provide services and support in field epidemiology, surveillance, emergency management, and laboratory activities that enhance the CDC’s capacity to monitor and support the implementation of the DRC’s vision to promote a healthier, safer world that can prevent, detect, and respond to disease outbreaks and public health threats.

At Bizzell, we prioritize global solutions to health. We are committed to developing collaborative strategies, weaving together multidisciplinary approaches, strategic partnerships, and innovative technologies. By leveraging diverse expertise and fostering collaborations, Bizzell enhances global health outcomes, ensuring a comprehensive and unified response to complex health challenges. We hope that other health leaders duplicate the DMR framework for infectious disease surveillance as we all continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and other emerging threats.

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/wastewater-surveillance.html#:~:text=Wastewater%20surveillance%20captures%20presence%20of,or%20decreasing%20in%20a%20sewershed
Categories Blog Tags COVID-19, Global Health

Navigating COVID-19 and Beyond: Bizzell’s Response to Pandemics and Emerging Global Health Challenges

Navigating COVID-19 and Beyond: Bizzell’s Response to Pandemics and Emerging Global Health Challenges

By Editorial Staff

As we enter 2024, our thoughts are filled with hope, new goals, and resolutions for the new year. Unfortunately, the impact of COVID-19 has followed us all into 2024. The U.S. faces a surge in COVID-19 cases nationwide as we have returned to the office work, and school. The result? Infection rates are just as high as last year’s around the same time. JN1 is the most prominent COVID-19 variant and has evolved to be more resistant to vaccination, and more resistant to natural immune responses of those previously infected with COVID-19[1]https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2024/01/04/covid-2024-us-jn1/.

There are many ways to protect yourself and your loved ones even as the virus continues to evolve. Many protocols set during the height of the pandemic to keep individuals and communities safe are still applicable today. These protocols include staying up to date with vaccinations, washing hands frequently with soap and water, wearing a facemask when in public settings, and covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Immunocompromised individuals should still limit travel to places with large crowds. Everyone should continue to stay up current on local and state guidelines and guidelines and continue to disinfect widely used items such as phones, laptops, and doorknobs[2]https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html. We must all do what we can to keep each other safe on an individual and community level.

On a national level and beyond the current COVID-19 crisis, Bizzell US continues to lead healthcare innovation with a forward-thinking stance. Investments in research, technology, and partnerships reflect our organization’s commitment to enhancing global health resilience. On an international level, currently, Bizzell supports COVID-19 efforts in Thailand, Guatemala, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and other countries through partnerships with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Central American Regional (CAR) Office. Bizzell provides technical assistance focusing on surveillance, infection prevention and control, border health, community mitigation, laboratory strengthening, and vaccine preparedness.

The COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated a path to solving complex emerging health threats. The insight gained through the pandemic will be invaluable in the future, especially in the realm of emergency preparedness. The pandemic continues to highlight the need for resilience and adaptive capacity, global solidarity, collaboration, and the importance of remote and digital infrastructure. We have consistently emphasized to national leaders the significance of bolstering healthcare preparedness and strengthening healthcare systems. As a leader in the healthcare sector, Bizzell prioritizes the need to strengthen hospital infrastructure and the healthcare workforce. Appropriate allocation of resources, both financial and personnel-based, will ensure readiness for future crises. Utilizing data and science as a strategy for decision-making will also continue to be crucial in shaping effective responses to health challenges.

In our collaboration with the CDC’s Division of Global Health Protection and Security, we have led many professional and technical services supporting global health mandates and security. We provided analytical support, performance monitoring, epidemiologic analysis, global health investments and economic costing studies, return on investment analyses, and statistical and econometric support. Investing in scientific research and valuing expert opinions, such as our Bizzell consultants, are critical for navigating the continued complexities of the pandemic. One such consultant is Nancy Bateman, MSW, a Senior Public Health Advisor for Behavioral Health Services at Bizzell. As one of our senior public health leaders, she has developed whitepapers and other resources discussing the impacts of trauma, trauma informed care, and COVID-19 on a changing Healthcare landscape. Her work, “Engaging Patients through Trauma-Informed Care in the Age of COVID-19”, was featured in the October 2022 Behavioral Health Spotlight created by the Behavioral Health Advancement Resource Center (BHARC).

Bizzell’s preparedness extends beyond the immediate COVID-19 challenges, laying the foundation for a robust response to future health uncertainties. One way we pride ourselves in preparedness is through data sharing and collaboration. Collaboration is a cornerstone of Bizzell’s impactful health-centered response to emerging threats. Emphasizing the importance of working together with government agencies, healthcare institutions, and international organizations, we actively foster partnerships that contribute to a collective response against global health challenges.

Through our global partnerships, we have provided capacity-building training, partnership support, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), data collection, internal communication support, social media and analytics, communication product development, scientific writing, and policy coordination. This collaborative spirit amplifies the effectiveness of interventions and initiatives. As the pandemic unfolds, Bizzell will continue to drive global change through innovative health solutions and adapting to the ever-evolving health landscape.

The global COVID-19 pandemic continues to severely impact healthcare systems on the local, national, and international levels. We at Bizzell believe in supporting strained healthcare systems, collaborating with appropriate organizations, contributing to crucial research efforts, and doing our part to respond to global health crises as they arise.

  1. https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2024/01/04/covid-2024-us-jn1/
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
Categories Insights Tags Cardiovascular Disease, Global Health

Dr. David Sleet Co-Authors Report on Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases

Dr. David Sleet Co-Authors Report on Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases

A new report highlights the persistent challenge of cardiovascular disease (CVD) worldwide. Despite the possibility of a world without CVD, millions of people’s lives are still lost prematurely to heart disease each year.

Dr. David Sleet, Bizzell Senior Associate, Injury Prevention, co-authored “Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases and Risk Factors, 1990–2022” published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The report covers health estimates from 1990 to 2022, analyzing the impact of cardiovascular conditions and risk factors across 21 global regions. The findings underscore the urgent need for countries to implement public-health strategies aimed at preventing cardiovascular diseases, emphasizing global action in disseminating information and implementing health programs, particularly in hard-to-reach countries.

Dr. Sleet stated that, “We must collectively address the high burden of CVD mortality in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.” Dr. Sleet added, “The leading causes—high blood pressure, high cholesterol, dietary risks, and air pollution—highlight the critical areas where targeted intervention can make a significant impact on cardiovascular health worldwide.”

About Bizzell

Bizzell is a consulting, strategy, investment, & technology firm headquartered in New Carrollton, Maryland. Bizzell is a partner of choice by federal, state, and local government agencies, and private organizations. With a strong emphasis on innovation and impact, Bizzell transforms small ideas into powerful catalysts that drive change across markets worldwide. Learn more at www.BizzellUS.com.

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