We’re Constantly Exploring Ways to Reinforce Data Quality — MD THINK Executive Director

(US & Canada) Patrick McLoughlin, Executive Director at MD THINK, speaks with Jeff Strane, Senior Director, Government and Education Affairs, SHI, in a video interview about the MD THINK initiative, his experiences as a data leader, the importance of addressing data quality requirements, the transformation roadmap, and managing cultural and organizational shifts.

McLoughlin describes MDThink as Maryland’s cloud modernization project aimed at transforming how health, human services, and social benefits are provided to Maryland residents. The program began as a large-scale effort to consolidate and modernize numerous distinct applications that deliver services, such as Medicaid, SNAP, child support, TANF, child welfare, and adult services.

Traditionally, these services relied on separate applications and agency-specific platforms, which often required repetitive data collection. MDThink’s goal was to redesign this landscape using modern data architectures and standardized transformation practices to enable better coordination and effectiveness across agencies.

The design of MDThink focuses on minimizing redundant data collection by allowing agencies to either collect information once or reference existing information stored within the system. By establishing a shared data architecture, MDThink supports cross-collaboration between different service applications, enabling them to more efficiently access and utilize relevant data. For instance, instead of collecting the same data repeatedly across various platforms, agencies involved in services like the health benefit exchange and other state benefits programs can tap into MDThink's unified system, resulting in a more streamlined and effective service experience for Marylanders.

McLoughlin stepped into his role as Chief Data Officer amid a transition in leadership. He was invited to support ongoing changes to both the leadership team and the program itself. Since then, he has played a crucial role in guiding MDThink’s continued expansion across additional agencies and adapting the program to meet new needs. His work in this data-driven environment has been pivotal in ensuring that the initiative remains focused on improving data accessibility, system integration, and the overall effectiveness of Maryland’s public service delivery.

Speaking about how his background impacted the data space at MD THINK, McLoughlin's says that his extensive background as CDO plays a pivotal role in his work with MD Think, where data integration is essential. He describes the platform as built on data-driven principles, emphasizing the importance of gathering information from individual customers for specific programs and being able to reference this data across various points of interaction.

This approach eliminates the need for customers to repeatedly provide the same information, a functionality enabled by MD Think’s well-developed data architecture. McLoughlin reveals that transitioning MD Think’s systems has required orchestrating a range of technologies, from mainframes to cloud-hosted applications, as well as coordinating data exchanges across both state and federal levels.

McLoughlin highlights the importance of carefully designing this architecture to facilitate interoperability among these diverse systems. By taking a comprehensive view of data models, the team can ensure data is leveraged effectively across programs without unnecessary duplication while integrating mainframe systems with cloud solutions and other applications.

A crucial part of this integration lies in maintaining high data quality standards. According to McLoughlin, a master data management framework is instrumental in producing a consolidated “golden record” that can be accessed by various programs, ensuring accuracy and reducing redundancies. This process, however, is iterative; the team must continually refine the system to maintain effective communication across all platforms.

Speaking about the roadmap for the next few years McLoughlin emphasizes the ongoing commitment to enhancing how data is utilized across the various applications on the MD Think platform, which comprises nearly a hundred different systems. He notes the importance of effective testing as new technologies and designs are explored to streamline data processes and reduce the information burden on customers.

Ensuring high-quality data is crucial, and McLoughlin highlights the need for continuous improvement in data quality and validation methods. Additionally, he points out the necessity of providing an optimal experience not only for the public but also for caseworkers and executive leaders who require timely access to accurate data.

McLoughlin also mentions the consideration of integrating new applications, either within the platform or externally, while maintaining consistent procedures to avoid disrupting the existing data model. He underscores a significant initiative within the state focused on enhancing customer engagement through technology, asserting that data will play a central role in this evolution. As the focus shifts toward improving customer experience and adopting user-friendly technologies, he says that data will remain integral to these efforts.

In discussing how to manage culture and organizational change, McLoughlin emphasizes the importance of building trust within the team. He notes that effective data utilization hinges on providing high-quality information that meets users' needs, enabling seamless interaction with applications. Recognizing that change is a gradual process, he advocates for aligning data quality improvements with the organization’s overall mission, whether for caseworkers or executive leaders.

In conclusion, McLoughlin highlights the significance of demonstrating how data supports decision-making processes. He also stresses the need to simplify interactions with data, which can foster greater acceptance and integration into everyday business practices. By simplifying these processes and ingraining them into regular workflows, he says that organizations can enhance the sustainability of their data-driven initiatives.

CDO Magazine appreciates Patrick McLoughlin for sharing his insights with our global community.