The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact worldwide public safety operations. Many facets of healthcare and population health management are affected. Smart Cities Dive brought this interesting information to our attention in their article, “Data analytics key to strengthening COVID-19 response.”

There is one function that is proving its worth in this layered crisis situation and that is data analytics. Front-line agencies can improve their response, efficiency , and employee well-being with data analytics.

The process of turning raw data into insights can provide agencies with a real-time view of how the virus is impacting their communities. Those insights can indicate if a community’s COVID-19 curve has flattened, as well as changes in agency demand and resources.

Response time and actual patient care get much focus when applying emerging technologies, but one facet of the situation that unfortunately gets overlooked is supporting the healthcare workers’ well-being, both physical and mental.

During the ongoing pandemic, call-takers and first responders — particularly in hard-hit areas — are working longer hours with fewer days off. While data can help these workers take care of their communities, it can also help them take care of themselves. Having truth in data can help determine employee schedules and/or give agency leaders the information they need to seek additional resources.

Melody K. Smith

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