Organizations have data that is siloed, duplicated, or incomplete, making it difficult to make simple queries. Master Data Management (MDM) is essential for ensuring that healthcare data is accurate and consistent (TIBCO, n.d.). MDM’s in healthcare focus on provider and member data but can contain other data as well. Management needs to be part of understanding MDM because of the amount and importance of information needed to be processed.
There are different types of data, coming from different sources, needed to be synchronized in an MDM. Having a single version ensures that there is one version that can be shared by different applications. The data can come from a CRM, marketing management software, a calendar application, etc. (Autodemo, 2015). Adding to this complexity are the different segmentations and access allowed for different users within an organization. An example of some data could be a doctor with the same National Provider Identifier (NPI) number but different addresses or credentials. The MDM would be able to parse the correct information for a user.
Training staff on how to use an MDM is fundamental for success. Training staff on data management can create a statistical significant increase of between 20%-50% for accuracy, completeness, and timelines of data. (Nwankwo & Sambo, 2018). Without training, staff can be confused as to what is required or make assumptions if they are not clear on what is being asked.
MDM also helps with both the top line and bottom line. MDM can help in targeting customers by consolidating information and finding out their unique touch points: products, relationships, and other channels of choice (TIBCO, n.d.). The information allows better understanding for cross selling and up-selling customers. Furthermore, MDM helps with improving productivity, optimizing supply chains, and finding insight: all of which help in increasing earnings.
Healthcare information is often fragmented and needs to be consolidated. MDM’s help ensure that data that is compiled and consolidated is complete and free from error. Having the data accurate and customized helps organizations meet their demands.
References
TIBCO (Ed.). (n.d.). What is Master Data Management (MDM)? TIBCO. Retrieved July 19, 2020, from https://www.tibco.com/reference-center/what-is-master-data-management
Autodemo. (2015, June 12). IMS Health Master Data Management as a Service [Video]. Youtube. https://youtu.be/kXYvzkPjpSs
Nwankwo, B., & Sambo, M. (2018). Can training of health care workers improve data management practice in health management information systems?: A case study of primary health care facilities in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Pan African Medical Journal, 30, 289. https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2018.30.289.15802