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Analysing data

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Once there is agreement on the issues to be assessed, the next step is to collect and analyse the required information.
 
Case reports are a good place to start, as much of the relevant information should have been captured as a matter of course during injury reporting.
 

tipbulb Analysing data can be a challenging task:
 

There are complications based on claim duration

A data specialist or someone experienced in spreadsheets and databases may be needed help set up data analysis systems

 

Be warned, however: analysing data is a challenging process.
 
Imagine, for example, that an organisation wants to compare claims costs over two annual periods. It might seem like this is a simple matter, but on closer inspection there are complications based on claim duration.
 
The longer a claim continues the more costs are incurred. If a claim has the same ongoing costs on a monthly basis and is reviewed at three months the total claims costs will be less than if the claim is reviewed at six months.

Case study In July 2007 an organisation looks at claim costs arising from injuries that occurred between July 2006 and June 2007. $86,400 was paid out in that period.

It is then noted the costs for claims that occurred between July 2005 and June 2006 were $128,800.

The initial delight of those reviewing the costs was lost when it was pointed out the claims that had occurred in the 05-06 period had been active for longer. The periods could not be meaningfully compared.
 

A data specialist or someone experienced in spreadsheets and databases may be needed help set up data analysis systems. The smaller the organisation the simpler the system should be. However the information being analysed still needs to be valid.