Project Overview
Motivation
The influenza season in the United States poses a significant public health challenge, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly. The seasonal influx of flu cases leads to a substantial increase in hospitalizations and mortality rates.
Objective
To create an optimized staffing plan for hospitals across the United States, focusing on the most vulnerable age group (65 and older), to effectively reduce influenza-related mortality rates during the flu season.
Scope
The analysis encompasses all 50 states, targeting the 2018 influenza season and making use of historical data to predict staffing needs.
The Approach and Process
Methodology
Using Excel, a detailed analysis of CDC data on influenza mortality was conducted, including demographic breakdowns by state and age. The data was used to identify patterns and correlations between age demographics and influenza mortality rates. Finally, Tableau was used for visualizations.
Data Analysis
- Analyzed influenza-related deaths from 2009 to 2017.
- Investigated the spread of the senior population and its impact on influenza mortality.
- Conducted a two-sample t-test to confirm the higher risk of influenza-related deaths for individuals older than 65.
Key Findings
- Elderly Population at Risk: Individuals over 65 are most affected by the flu, accounting for 84.42% of deaths.
- High-Risk States: California, New York, and Florida were identified as critical points for intervention due to their large elderly populations and high rates of influenza mortality.
- Seasonality: The analysis confirmed the expected seasonal peaks, with hospitalizations typically surging from October to February.
End Results and Recommendations
Recommendations
- Prioritize Staffing: Allocate more medical staff to high-risk states during peak months.
- Flexible Scheduling: Implement dynamic staffing models that can respond to fluctuations in hospital visitation rates.
- Preventive Measures: Advocate for increased flu vaccinations, especially in high-risk states and populations.
Conclusion
The case study concludes with actionable insights for healthcare providers to prepare for the upcoming flu seasons. It recommends continuous monitoring of influenza trends and vaccination effectiveness to refine staffing strategies.
Future Considerations
- Vaccination Effectiveness: Explore the impact of flu vaccinations on reducing hospitalizations and mortality rates.
- Real-Time Data Integration: Consider incorporating real-time health data for agile response to influenza outbreaks.
- Social Media Sentiment Analysis: Use data mining to anticipate flu trends and proactively adjust staffing.