Approaches to identify scenarios for data science implementations within healthcare settings: recommendations based on experiences at multiple academic institutions.

Abstract

Objectives: To describe successful and unsuccessful approaches to identify scenarios for data science implementations within healthcare settings and to provide recommendations for future scenario identification procedures.

Materials and methods: Representatives from seven Toronto academic healthcare institutions participated in a one-day workshop. Each institution was asked to provide an introduction to their clinical data science program and to provide an example of a successful and unsuccessful approach to scenario identification at their institution. Using content analysis, common observations were summarized.

Results: Observations were coalesced to idea generation and value proposition, prioritization, approval and champions. Successful experiences included promoting a portfolio of ideas, articulating value proposition, ensuring alignment with organization priorities, ensuring approvers can adjudicate feasibility and identifying champions willing to take ownership over the projects.

Conclusion: Based on academic healthcare data science program experiences, we provided recommendations for approaches to identify scenarios for data science implementations within healthcare settings.