Debra Goosen on data-driven healthcare at AfroCentric Group

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AfroCentric Group

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As part of our ongoing Women’s Month series, we’re proud to spotlight Debra Goosen, Head of Data and Analytics at MEDSCHEME HOLDINGS, an AfroCentric Group company. She recently joined Power FM to share how data is shaping the future of healthcare and helping to bring AfroCentric Group’s Vision 2030 to life. Debra leads a team that transforms raw data into actionable insights that drive smarter decisions, healthier outcomes and long-term value for members and medical aid schemes. “Analytics can be used in so many ways to drive better outcomes. Our goal is to enable decisions to be made faster with access to reliable information and insight,” - she added. The collective efforts of Debra and her team directly support our Vision 2030 pillar of investing in data, digital platforms and technology - laying the foundation for a more connected and responsive healthcare system. Listen to the full interview to learn more. #AfroCentricGroup #Vision2030 #Medscheme #WomensMonth #HealthcareInnovation #DataDrivenCare #PowerFM

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Transcript

You know, a third conversation we hear from Deborah Wilson. Uplace aqu�� Rowling matskines. Teams modernization strategy, one that we'll see Med scheme innovate a future of affordable, seamless and agile healthcare for clients and their members. And she joins us on the line. As I said, she's head of data and analytics in the Med Scheme Analytics division. Hello, Deborah, how are you? Hi, Teresa. I'm great. Thanks and yourself. Thank you so much. And yeah, welcome and thanks for joining us as we celebrate Women's Month and as head of data and Analytics. You are at the forefront of a strategic shift for Med scheme which is Afrocentric groups largest Health Administration and managed care subsidiary. To start off, could you introduce yourself and briefly explain your role in a way our listeners can understand? What does it mean to be head of Data and analytics in a healthcare organization? Thanks to be so, my role is to lead a team that turns raw data into actionable insights and the value based care approach. Data is critical. Let me give you a very simple but relatable example of how data drives action. You go to the doctor and you get a battery of tests done such as glucose, blood pressure, heart rates and the like. Each test result is a single row data point. Your GP receives the results from the lab, at which stage these are nothing more than a set of raw data points. Your doctor then starts analyzing the results by comparing them to each other, to your previous results and against expected ranges. Then your GP gives you a diagnosis. This is an insight example. You are dehydrated. Now that there is a diagnosis and the cause is known for, GP can tell you what. Actions to take. Drink more water. This is what we do. We collect all these different data points and present them in a meaningful and insightful way so that appropriate steps can be taken. We want to ensure that the right people have the right information at the right time to make decisions that improve the health and experience of our members. And the technology and data fields have traditionally been male dominated. In your experience, what unique challenges, opportunities have you encountered as a woman and how has that shaped your leadership style? They have certainly been challenges, but I've always seen them as opportunities to lead differently. It really has forced me to learn more about myself and understand my areas of strength, areas of weakness and to look to look inward for self validation. But more importantly, it has taught me that you can't leave alone. We are much Better Together and because there is diversity amongst us, this is a great source of strength to draw from because moving together not only makes our success. Are more likely. It certainly makes the journey far more rewarding and enjoyable. I'm a strong believer in collaboration, Co creation and inclusivity. The more voices we have around the table, the more ideas we will have and ultimately the better solutions we will have. Now let's get into specifics. How does the strategic use of data Dr. Tangible value for your customers. The medical aid schemes Can you provide a. Concrete example of our data analytics create efficiencies, improves quality or enhances agility. Analytics can be used in so many ways to drive better outcomes. Our goal is to enable decisions to be made faster with access to reliable information and insight. So, for example, identifying members who are at high risk of a future health event, perhaps it's a chronic disease or a hospital admission. This is commonly referred to as predictive analytics. For actively engaging with these members and guiding them to preventative care programs, we improve their health outcomes. This creates a win win. The member gets better, more proactive care and the medical aid schemes benefits from long term cost savings. That's a tangible example of how data drives both efficiency and quality. And and looking ahead, I mean, what what is the single most exciting innovation or strategic project that you are working on and how will it change the game for members and the industry as a whole? You know, the possibilities of what we can do with analytics, digital solutions and technology are almost endless. Especially women starts thinking about value based healthcare that favours the outcomes for both team members and service providers. Our focus is to modernize the way in which we connect and leverage data throughout the healthcare value chain to drive healthier outcomes by being more holistic and proactive in our approach. And what advice would you give to young women who are passionate about technology, who are listening right now? And we're also passionate about healthcare and aspire to a leadership role like yours. I've got 7 points. So first of all, be authentic. Don't be afraid to be yourself. To figure out what you are passionate about. What is it you want to stand up for and stand behind? Be adaptable. Things are forever changing in this landscape that we live in. Invest in relationships. This is one that I really can't stress the importance of enough. Be aware. There are always challenges, but there are also always opportunities, you just have to look out for them. Adopt A growth mindset. To be curious, be a critical thinker and adopt continuous learning. But above all, just be kind to yourself on your journey back to you. And thank you so much, ma'am, for talking to us and sharing your insights and your experiences. And we wish you well. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. There you go. Deborah Johnson, head of data and analytics in the Med Scheme Analytics division.

Amanda Barnes, graphic

Culture I Employee Experience I Change I Leadership

3w

Great interview Debra Goosen

Avelino pillay, graphic

sales manager

3w

How can one apply at Afrocentric?

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AfroCentric Group

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