Data Normalization Is Vital for Real-time Operational Visibility Across Systems — Lifepoint Health CDAO

(US & Canada) Chris Hutchins, SVP, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Lifepoint Health, speaks with Todd Foley, CISO at Lydonia, in a video interview about normalizing data across healthcare systems and his approach to maintaining safety and security while operationalizing data.

Lifepoint Health brings essential healthcare services to growing regions, rural communities, and small towns across the U.S.

Speaking about how the organization is leveraging AI to manage and streamline the vast amounts of data generated across the network, Hutchins explains that his team’s approach is rooted in their overarching mission to enhance community health. This mission serves as a guiding framework for evaluating which technologies and AI initiatives to pursue, including pilots and proofs of concept. Recent efforts have shown promising results, particularly in operational efficiency improvements.

For instance, Hutchins highlights an AI-driven collaboration with a business partner to expedite the normalization of logistics data, a process critical to achieving near real-time operational visibility into patient throughput. This effort, ongoing for over a year, is especially vital given that their healthcare facilities are spread across 31 states, primarily in rural areas. With limited hospital options and significant distances between them, ensuring efficient patient transfers is essential.

To address this, Hutchins emphasizes the importance of providing real-time insights into bed availability. By equipping operators with accurate, immediate data, they can confidently respond to transfer requests, avoiding scenarios where patients are transported to a facility only to find no available space. Before implementing these measures, operators faced challenges due to high occupancy rates and insufficient visibility into the timing of critical processes.

Further, Hutchins highlights the critical need for normalization in healthcare systems due to the inherent variability that arises when hospitals integrate into a larger network. Each facility often brings its legacy systems and standards, necessitating the development of a unified framework to enable a cohesive, system-wide approach.

He mentions the remarkable speed at which normalization efforts are advancing today, driven by cutting-edge technology and software that handle vast amounts of data far more efficiently than even large teams could manage just a few years ago. However, Hutchins acknowledges the persistent challenge of funding these advancements, noting that while regulators frequently propose innovative strategies, determining practical financing mechanisms remains a complex issue.

When asked about dealing with the security risks around normalization and connecting to operational systems, Hutchins says that the organization is following a cautious and systematic approach. He highlights the need to ensure all safeguards are rigorously in place, guided by stringent evaluation criteria developed collaboratively with teams including the CISO, CTO, risk, compliance, and legal departments.

According to Hutchins, the increasing activity of external threats demands vigilance and measures to restrict external access to sensitive data, often requiring creative solutions to address remote access challenges while maintaining robust cybersecurity standards.

In conclusion, Hutchins acknowledges the complexity of navigating regulatory environments, especially in healthcare, where evolving regulations necessitate adaptability. While he concedes that absolute security is difficult to guarantee, he stresses the importance of maintaining clear oversight and aligning operations with current and anticipated regulatory requirements.

CDO Magazine appreciates Chris Hutchins for sharing his insights with our global community.