Date of Award

10-2020

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Management (DMgt)

First Advisor

Dr. Les Sztandera, PhD

Second Advisor

Dr. Robbin Durie, PhD

Third Advisor

Dr. Steven Herrine, MD

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Richard Derman, MD

Abstract

Big data is the new gold, especially in healthcare. Advances in collecting and processing Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), coupled with increasing computer capabilities have resulted in an increased interest in the use of big data in healthcare. Big data require collection and analysis of data at an unprecedented scale and represents a paradigm shift in healthcare, offering on one hand the capacity to generate new knowledge more quickly than traditional scientific approaches, and, on the other hand, a holistic understanding of specific illnesses when socio-demographics are incorporated in the analysis. Big data promises more personalized and precision medicine for patients with improved accuracy and earlier diagnosis, and therapy geared to an individual’s unique combination of genes, environmental risk, and precise disease phenotype.

Ophthalmology has been an area of focus where results have shown to be promising. The objective of this study was to determine whether the EMR record in LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), based in Hyderabad, India, can contribute to the management of patient care, through studying how climatic and socio-demographic factors relate to cataracts, clouding of the lens – turning the lens from clear to yellow, brown or even milky white, which cause visual impairment and blindness if left untreated. The study was designed by merging a dataset obtained from the Telangana State Development Society to an existing EMR of approximately 1 million patients, who presented themselves with different eye symptoms and were diagnosed with several ocular diseases from the years (2011-2019), a timeframe of 8 years. The dataset obtained included climatic variables to be tested alongside the development of cataracts in patients. Microsoft Power BI was used to analyze the data through prescriptive and descriptive data analysis techniques to read patterns that can dig deeper into high-risk climatic and socio-demographic factors that correlate to the development of cataract.

Our findings revealed that there is a high presence of cataract in the state of Telangana, mostly in rural areas and throughout the different weather seasons in India. Women tend to be the most affected as per the number of visits to the clinic, while home makers make the most visit to the hospital, in addition to employees, students, and laborers. While cataract is most dominant in the older age population, diseases such as astigmatism and conjunctivitis, are more present in the younger age population. The study appeared useful for taking preventive measures in the future to manage the treatment of patients who present themselves with cataracts in Telangana. In addition, this research created a pathway for new methods in the study of how EMRs contribute to new knowledge in ophthalmology. Results indicated that cultural upbringing, climatic factors, and proximity to the state-run thermal plant play a significant role in the presence of cataracts. Through testing the methodology used, observations indicate that the AI technique used is only effective when variables are minimized. Reflections suggest that studying patients through a more holistic and systematic approach can reveal new insights that can help bridge the gap between existing knowledge and practice for an aim to provide enhanced ophthalmic care in India.

Comments

A dissertation submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Management in Strategic Leadership

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