title: A framework to provide clarity in the use of predictive technologies in health care management.
abstract: This paper reports on a survey of health care managers and other stakeholders which assesses the need for a framework regarding predictive technologies in health care management. In the context of this paper, predictive technologies are defined as those that enable an insight into, or measurement of, events yet to occur. A framework could include the ability to classify the problems confronting managers, and the range of possible tools and techniques that could be used to address those problems. This could be of mutual benefit to health care managers, technologists and modellers. The survey was intended to clarify the level of interest in such a framework, and also the possible dimensions that it ought to contain. Our results indicate that there is strong support for a proposed framework, with 97% of respondents indicating that a framework would be possibly or very useful. The results also show a low level of background knowledge in relation to existing tools, techniques and technologies. The draft framework is also presented. It includes dimensions relating to problem and tool definitions, scenarios to be investigated and the findings of those investigations.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Epidemiology and Health Services Evaluation Unit (CEHSEU), Melbourne Health, 7W-Level 7, Main Building, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia. Christopher.Bain@mh.org.au
authors.forename: Christopher A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Bain
authors.forename: Leon K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Au
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006298:Health Services Administration / Q000639:trends*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D048088:Informatics; D019451:Information Management; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged