In the spring of 2012, leadership at MultiCare Health System (MultiCare)—a Tacoma, Washington–based health system—realized the results of a 12-month journey to reduce septicemia. The effort was supported by the system’s top leadership, who participated in a data-driven approach to prioritize care improvement based on an analysis of resources consumed and variation in care outcomes. Reducing septicemia (mortality rates) was a top priority for MultiCare as a result of three hospitals performing below, and one that was performing well below, national mortality averages. In September 2010, MultiCare implemented Health Catalyst’s Adaptive Data Warehouse, a healthcare-specific data model, and subsequent clinical and process improvement services to measure and effect care through organizational and process improvements. Two major factors contributed to the rapid reduction in septicemia mortality.

Questions for Discussion
1. What do you think is the role of data warehousing in healthcare systems?
2. How did MultiCare use data warehousing to improve health outcomes?