Data allows organizations to more effectively determine the
cause of problems. Data allows organizations to visualize
relationships between what is happening in different
locations, departments, and systems. If the number of
medication errors has gone up, is there an issue such as staff
turnover or vacancy rates that may suggest a cause? Looking
at these data points side-by-side allows us to develop more
accurate theories, and put into place more effective solutions
Data is a key component of systems advocacy. Utilizing data
will help you present a strong argument for systems change.
Whether you are advocating for increased funding from public
or private sources, or making the case for changes in
regulation, illustrating your argument through the use of data
will allow you to demonstrate why changes are needed.
Data will help you explain (both good and bad) decisions to
your stakeholders. Whether or not your strategies and
decisions have the outcome you anticipated, you can be
confident that you developed your approach based not
upon guesses, but good solid data.