Decision Intelligence for Healthcare Decarbonization
By Selvaprabu Nadarajah, Information and Decision Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, USA, selvan@uic.edu | Sylvia Dziemian, Bureau of Syndemic Infectious Diseases, Chicago Department of Public Health, USA, sylvia.dziemian@cityofchicago.org
Abstract
Decarbonization goals in healthcare have increased significantly. Their achievement requires aligning environmental objectives with improvements in financial performance and health outcomes. Among a wide range of options, the healthcare sector can (i) adopt successful decarbonization strategies from other energy intensive sectors, and (ii) enhance its patient-focused activities with decarbonization potential. This work provides examples of this adopt-and-enhance approach, spotlighting the enabling role of decision intelligence (DI), that is, the decision-centered use of data and technology. First, we discuss DI for managing risks in adopting renewables on site in a hospital. Second, we highlight the challenge posed by access inequity in decarbonizing tuberculosis care delivery and propose a DI research framework to study this challenge. These examples highlight the potential for DI to accelerate decarbonization.
Lessons from the Pandemic for Healthcare Operations
Lessons from the Pandemic for Healthcare Operations delves into the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic that can be applied to the post-pandemic world to enhance efficiency, equity, and fairness in healthcare operations. It emphasizes the importance of preparedness in combating future pandemics or public health disasters, regardless of when or where they may occur. This work offers a unique perspective through which to view the evolving outlines of healthcare delivery, policy, and research. This is illustrated using several real-world experiences, empirical studies, and forward-looking insights. The contributions fall under three broad themes: the management of policies and funding in healthcare, the role of data and data-driven research, and accessible healthcare services during and after the pandemic.
Companion
Foundations and Trends® in Technology, Information and Operations Management, Volume 19, Issue 2-3 Special Issue: Lessons from the Pandemic for Healthcare Operations
See the other articles that are also part of this special issue.