Developing a Data-Driven Approach in Order to Improve the Safety and Quality of Patient Care.

To improve the safety and quality of patient care in hospitals by shaping clinical pathways throughout the patient journey. A risk model designed for healthcare organizations in the context of the challenges arising from comorbidity and other treatment-related complexities. The core of the model is the patient and his intra-hospital journey, which is analyzed using a data-driven approach. The structure of a predictive model to support organizational and clinical decision-making activities is explained. Data relating to each step of the intra-hospital journey (from hospital admission to discharge) are extracted from clinical records. The proposed approach is feasible and can be used effectively to improve safety and quality. It enables the evaluation of clinical risks at each step of the patient journey. Based on data from real cases, the model can record and calculate, over time, variables and behaviors that affect the safety and quality of healthcare organizations. This provides a greater understanding of healthcare processes and their complexity which can, in turn, advance research relating to clinical pathways and improve strategies adopted by organizations.