Unlocking the Future
Chiropractic Future Strategic Plan Data Lake Project
By Kristi Hudson, Brad Cost & Jay Greenstein
A groundbreaking collaboration between academia, industry, and healthcare professionals is set to revolutionize the landscape of chiropractic care. Spearheaded by the Spears School of Business Analytics and Data Science at Oklahoma State University (OSU), in partnership with Infinedi and the ChiroTech Consortium Workgroup (CTC), the Chiropractic Future Strategic Plan Data Lake Project marks a pivotal moment in healthcare data analysis.
A data lake is a centralized repository for all types of data — structured and unstructured —scalable to any size. Its key advantage lies in flexibility and agility; data is stored in its raw form, enabling users to explore and analyze without preset structures. This flexibility accommodates diverse and evolving datasets, facilitating exploratory data analysis.
Initiated by Brad Cost, a corporate advisory board member of OSU’s Master’s in Business Analytics and Data Science program (MS BAnDS) and owner of Infinedi, the project aims to leverage big data to transform patient care and drive academic research in chiropractic care. Recognizing the lack of comprehensive data systems in chiropractic care, Cost and Dr. Goutam Chakraborty, MS BAnDS program director, saw an opportunity for data-driven insights.
The project spanned two semesters and involved OSU MS BAnDS students and leading professors collaborating with Infinedi and the ChiroTech Consortium Workgroup to develop a national healthcare data lake for chiropractic care. This effort marks the first systematic attempt to collect healthcare data within the chiropractic field for academic research. With millions of patient data files integrated, the data lake will be invaluable for advancing patient care methodologies and evidence-based research.
Cost emphasizes the importance of merging academic excellence with industry expertise, with Infinedi’s technology and data scientist team guiding OSU students throughout the project. The ChiroTech Consortium — consisting of healthcare experts, data scientists, and researchers worldwide — has outlined ambitious goals for 2024, including legislative initiatives and improved access to care. The data lake project is integral for achieving these objectives, providing infrastructure for evidence-based decision-making.
OSU’s Spears School of Business has a history of innovation in analytics education, offering comprehensive training with cutting-edge tools. Dr. Goutam Chakraborty’s vision for the MS BAnDS program emphasizes technical proficiency and critical thinking, preparing graduates for real-world challenges.
As the project nears the beta testing phase, anticipation grows for unveiling the chiropractic data lake — a resource poised to revolutionize patient care and drive scientific inquiry. With commitment from academia, industry, and healthcare professionals, the Chiropractic Future Strategic Plan Data Lake Project showcases the power of collaboration in healthcare innovation.
About the Authors
Brad Cost is the chief executive officer, president, and owner of Infinedi. He is highly knowledgeable and a nationally sought-after resource in the healthcare and data analytics industry. Brad currently sits on the board of governors for Oklahoma State University (OSU) and the associate’s board for the OSU Spears School of Business and serves as vice chair of the CTC Workgroup on the Chiropractic Future Strategic Plan.
Jay Greenstein is the founder and CEO of Kaizenovate, which creates custom mobile apps for chiropractic practices (Kanvas), aiding in revenue growth and brand enhancement. Jay currently serves as the chair of the CTC Workgroup on the Chiropractic Future Strategic Plan.
Kristi Hudson is a certified professional compliance officer (CPCO) and vice president of business relationships at ChiroHealthUSA. Kristi serves as the vice chair of the Chiropractic Future Strategic Plan, contributing her expertise to shape the future of the chiropractic profession. She is also a dedicated board member for ChiroCongress Cares, demonstrating her commitment to the chiropractic community’s well-being.
Learn more about the Chiropractic Future Strategic Plan at www.chiropracticfuture.org.
