Examining the Role of Business Analytics in Healthcare Value Chain

This research explores how healthcare organizations are leveraging business analytics (BA) capabilities and techniques to improve quality of care and reduce cost. Given the increased interest and investment in BA, it is important to have a good understanding of what analytics capabilities healthcare organizations use to enhance value. Using Burns et al. (2002) healthcare value chain framework as a basis, we will identify the various analytics techniques/capabilities and subsequently classify them into three generally accepted classification of analytics: descriptive, predictive and prescriptive. Based on extensive search of the literature, complimented by a follow-up case study of a large regional hospital, analytics applications will be mapped onto the value chain framework in the contest of healthcare. The study will contribute to practice and academia by clearly illustrating how healthcare organizations currently utilizes or should be using analytic capabilities and techniques in order to enable them close the quality gaps.