In partnership with the Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) and RSM US, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is using data and machine learning tools to identify adverse events and enhance services for Hawaiʻi residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Through the Social Science Research Institute’s Office of Evaluation and Analytics for Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (OEAIDD), UH researchers are working on a new dashboard that integrates Medicaid claims and case–management data. The tool gives staff a clearer picture of potential unreported adverse events—such as injuries or hospitalizations—and supports faster, more informed decision making across DOH&s Developmental Disabilities Division (DDD) programs for 3,600 participants statewide.
…we’re helping the state build a more responsive system of care.
—Jack Barile
Historically, under–reporting of adverse events has posed a major challenge in healthcare oversight. Built on Microsoft systems and designed by RSM, the dashboard helps staff identify risks that may have gone unreported. An additional AI–supported component is being developed to help flag participants at higher likelihood of experiencing adverse events, enabling proactive intervention.
“This dashboard helps DDD make more data–informed decisions for the betterment of the community,” said Jack Barile, associate dean for research and principal investigator for OEAIDD. “By partnering with service providers and technical teams like RSM and Microsoft—and by training UH students in real–world analytics—we’re helping the state build a more responsive system of care.”
“This collaboration among DOH, UH and RSM US marks a significant step forward in protecting consumer health and safety by harnessing AI to address the issue of under–reported adverse events,” said Mary Brogan, DDD administrator. “By identifying adverse risks accurately, we can better support our participants’ well–being.”
Strengthening data use statewide
UH researchers are working alongside DDD staff and technical partners RSM and Microsoft to ensure the dashboard is practical, secure and integrated into daily workflows. Researchers on the project team contribute through data analysis and evaluation, while graduate students also gain hands–on experience with public health data.
“Our goal is to help DDD build a culture of data,” said Eva McKinsey, project lead. “The dashboard gives DDD staff access to timely and relevant information that can support stronger programs and better outcomes.”
UH researchers will continue refining the tool and expanding training, with the focus on improving disability services statewide through better data, evaluation and collaboration.
The OEAIDD project team, housed within UH Mānoa’s College of Social Sciences, also includes Charles Iwata, Ashlyn Wong, Reinie Gerrits–Goh, Genevieve Manset, Meldrick Ravida, Eric Lin and Grace Mellor.
