As medical professionals, we are constantly seeking ways to enhance patient care, optimize performance, and improve outcomes. In an era where data is as valuable as the scalpel in a surgeon’s hand, understanding how to harness this resource is crucial. The intersection of human performance and data science offers a promising frontier for advancements in medicine. By leveraging data analytics, we can uncover insights that drive better decision-making, both for our patients and ourselves.
The Intersection of Human Performance & Data Science
Data science is not just about numbers; it’s about making sense of those numbers to improve human performance. Jacob Buhler, a tactical data scientist with a background in strength coaching and dietetics, emphasizes the transformative potential of data in optimizing performance. His work with the Air Force and Army involves collecting and analyzing data to enhance the physical and cognitive abilities of military personnel. According to Buhler,
The number one thing you should do first is education. Somebody looking at data and not knowing what it means really doesn’t do a lot for them.”
This insight underscores the importance of not only collecting data but also ensuring that individuals understand how to interpret and act on it.
The Importance of Sleep Data in Performance Optimization
One of the critical areas where data science intersects with human performance is sleep optimization. Sleep is a fundamental component of health, affecting everything from cognitive function to physical recovery. Wearable technology, such as sleep trackers, has made it easier to collect data on sleep patterns.
Buhler notes that sleep research has revealed some startling statistics:
“About 30% of the population gets under six hours of sleep. Anything under seven hours is considered sleep deprivation.”
For medical professionals who often endure long hours and irregular schedules, this statistic is particularly relevant. Lack of adequate sleep can impair decision-making, reduce empathy, and increase the risk of medical errors.
Challenges in Data Collection & Analysis
Collecting data is only half the battle. The real challenge lies in analyzing and interpreting this data to make it actionable. Buhler highlights the importance of working backward from the desired outcome, encouraging us to ask ourselves,
“Why are you collecting the data in the first place? What are you going to do with it?”
In the medical field, we collect vast amounts of data—patient histories, lab results, imaging studies—but without a clear purpose, this data can become overwhelming. Identifying the key metrics that will inform patient care decisions is essential.
Buhler also points out the need for standardization, saying,
“In the human performance setting, everybody uses something different. We’re using different technologies, so it’s giving different metrics. We all need to get on the same page.”
Inconsistent data collection methods can hinder the ability to compare results and draw meaningful conclusions.
Making Data Actionable, Scalable, & Repeatable
For data to be valuable, it must meet three criteria: it should be actionable, scalable, and repeatable. Buhler explains that before collecting any data, we should ensure that it will lead to actionable insights, can be applied broadly, and can be consistently replicated. He advises,
“I really try to lean on the subject matter experts… I try not to interject unless it’s something that I’m an expert in.”
Collaboration with experts in various fields helps ensure that the data collected is relevant and that the interpretations are accurate.
Data Visualization & Communication
Presenting data in an understandable format is crucial, especially when communicating with those who may not have a technical background. Buhler emphasizes simplicity:
“Really, it’s just showing change over time, averages, standard deviation… simple stuff.”
For doctors, this means distilling complex patient data into clear, concise information that can guide treatment decisions. Visual tools like charts and graphs can make trends apparent, facilitating quicker and more informed choices.
Balancing Subjective & Objective Data
While objective data is invaluable, it’s essential to not overlook the patient’s subjective experience. Buhler says,
“Having a blend of the subjective and objective information is very important.”
In practice, this means listening to our patients’ concerns and symptoms and integrating that with diagnostic data. For our self-care, it involves acknowledging how we feel physically and mentally, in addition to what the numbers might indicate.
Sleep Hygiene: Practical Applications for Doctors
Understanding the role of sleep in performance is not just for our patients—it’s for us as well. Buhler offers practical advice on sleep hygiene, which is particularly relevant for medical professionals:
- Consistent Wake Times: Waking up at the same time every morning helps regulate the body’s internal clock.
- Stimulus Control: Use the bedroom only for sleep and intimacy. Avoid bringing work or stressful conversations into this space.
- Avoiding Late Meals & Screen Time: Large meals and screen exposure before bed can disrupt sleep patterns.
- Creating a Sleep-Conducive Environment: This can involve things like blackout curtains and white noise machines, as well as maintaining an optimal room temperature for sleep.
By adopting these practices, doctors can improve their sleep quality, leading to better cognitive function, mood, and overall health.
The Bottom Line: Harnessing Data for Optimal Performance
The fusion of human performance and data science holds immense potential for the medical field. By thoughtfully collecting and analyzing data, we can enhance patient care, improve our well-being, and drive innovation. Jacob Buhler’s insights remind us that data is a tool—a powerful one when used correctly.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern medicine, let’s embrace data science not just as a means to an end but as a pathway to holistic improvement—for our patients and ourselves.
This blog post was inspired by insights from Dr. Chris Meers and Jacob Buhler on the “White Coat Warriors” podcast episode “Unlocking Human Performance: Data Science.”
