Bridging the Gap Between Data and Patient Care

Abstract

This paper investigates the pivotal role of data in modern healthcare systems and the challenges hindering its effective application in patient care. With advancements like Electronic Health Records (EHR), wearable devices, and predictive analytics, healthcare data has grown exponentially, offering unprecedented opportunities for improving clinical decision-making. However, a significant gap persists between data collection and its practical utilization, often due to fragmentation, interoperability issues, and limited integration into clinical workflows. This study identifies the root causes of this gap, evaluates its impact on patient outcomes, and proposes actionable strategies to bridge it. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative insights from healthcare professionals with quantitative analysis of survey data and case studies. Key findings reveal that data silos, lack of standardized protocols, and insufficient training in data analytics tools are major barriers. For instance, while EHRs centralize patient information, interoperability between systems remains a challenge, limiting real-time data access. Wearable devices generate continuous health metrics, but their integration into clinical practice is often inconsistent.