Evaluating the Effects of Big Data Analytics on Clinical and Operational Decision‐Making in Hospitals in Northern Ghana

ABSTRACT This study aims to evaluate the influence of big data analytics on clinical and operational decision‐making in Ghanaian hospitals, with particular emphasis on the Tamale Central Hospital (TCH), Tamale West Hospital (TWH), and Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) in the northern region. To assess how big data analytics affected clinical and operational decision‐making in Ghanaian hospitals. This study used a qualitative research approach. The study adopted the DOI as the framework to guide the study. The study used a purposive sampling technique to select fifteen (15) participants for interviews using an interview guide with open‐ended questions. Primary data was gathered through these interviews and field notes and then analyzed via thematic content analysis. The study found that the selected hospitals in Ghana primarily use EHRs for data collection and storage, with varying levels of utilization for decision‐making. It also found positive impacts on clinical practice through EHR access, but there are some challenges. Additionally, it found varying approaches to data security and compliance among hospitals. The study further found that EHRs transform healthcare data management while challenges remain regarding data integration, resources, and security. To the best of my knowledge, this research is the first to assess the impact of big data analytics in Ghanaian hospitals on clinical and operational decision‐making.