Define "healthcare analytics".

Healthcare analytics refers to the systematic analysis of healthcare data to inform decision-making, improve outcomes, and enhance the efficiency of healthcare services. This process involves collecting, processing, and interpreting various types of data, such as patient records, treatment outcomes, and operational metrics. By leveraging analytics, healthcare organizations can identify trends, predict patient needs, and optimize resource allocation.

The emphasis is on analyzing data, which plays a crucial role in achieving evidence-based decisions that support clinical effectiveness and operational efficiency. This data-driven approach allows healthcare providers to make informed choices that can lead to better patient care, improved health outcomes, and cost savings for the organization.

In contrast, conducting surveys for patient feedback is just one aspect of collecting data but does not encompass the entirety of what healthcare analytics entails, which includes a broader spectrum of data analysis. Implementing new technology in service delivery focuses on the application of technology rather than the analysis of data derived from healthcare activities. Standardizing operating procedures across departments pertains to operational consistency, which is valuable but does not directly involve the analytical process necessary for making informed healthcare decisions based on data.