CTNJ op-ed — Facts, and data, are stubborn things

Big data is revolutionizing healthcare. The ability to collect reams of detailed information about how care is provided, how much it costs, and then to link that back to effectiveness and outcomes is powerful. New data tools offer the potential to improve individual and collective decision-making that targets just the right resources to the right people at the right time.

Connecticut policymakers need to be much better at using data. Non-governmental health thoughtleaders have consistently given Connecticut a C-/D+ grade for data-based policymaking over the last five years. As healthcare costs continue to rise and the state budget remains tight, Connecticut really doesn’t have a choice but to use data to make policies and avoid wasting money. Read more