In this case study, we draw upon our evaluation findings from the Safety Net Analytics Program (SNAP) to explore how safety net healthcare organizations can successfully create and sustain data-driven cultures. The work of gaining staff buy-in—let alone training staff in different aspects of data analytics—building data infrastructure and using data to make decisions often happens in fits and starts and requires ongoing support and strategy from all levels of the organization. We share examples from SNAP participants and surface key takeaways for tackling the challenges of building a data-driven culture.

SNAP, implemented by Center for Care Innovations and funded by California Health Care Foundation, launched in November 2014 to increase the data analytics capabilities of health care safety net organizations to strengthen and improve patient care. The 14-month, cohort-based pilot provided a comprehensive set of supports to 20 organizations including learning sessions (webinars and in-person day-long conferences), individualized coaching, homework and planning tools, networking and financial support.

Resources, tools and instructional content from the Safety Net Analytics Program have been brought together as a video learning series, Building a Data Driven Culture, in addition to publications based on our evaluation findings:

• Case study: How Analytics Transform a Health Home Model: Contra Costa Develops a Predictive Model for Their High Utilizer Population
• Case study: Turning Data into Insight: Using Dashboards to Drive Action at All Levels
• Field brief: A Model for Improving Health Care Data Analytics