How a Butler and Community Health Network Partnership Helped Save $4.3 Million and 420 Lives
For healthcare professionals, data is more than just numbers—it is the foundation of better patient care, smarter decisions, and more efficient hospitals. But for many, data can feel overwhelming and difficult to use effectively. That’s why Butler University’s Office of Continuing and Professional Education teamed up with Community Health Network to create a hands-on professional development course that demystifies data and equips healthcare workers with practical analytics skills.
Since launching in spring 2022, the program has empowered 185 Community Health Network professionals to break down data barriers, make informed decisions, and drive meaningful change in their organization.
“People are often intimidated by data,” Lindsay Wahl, Director of Analytics Programs at Community Health Network, said. “This program takes that fear away. It transforms data from something abstract into a tool that professionals can use to make a real difference in patient outcomes.”
The Data Literacy and Analytics program is structured around five engaging in-person sessions at Butler University, each designed to turn complex concepts into practical skills:
- Understanding the ‘Why’ of Data – Learning how data informs business and healthcare decisions
- Communicating with Stakeholders – Developing the ability to present data in ways that inspire action
- Data Storytelling – Translating complex data into compelling narratives
- Change Management – Equipping participants with skills to implement data-driven improvements
- Graduation Showcase – Culminating in group presentations of real-world projects with actionable solutions
One of the most powerful transformations came from a final group project that focused on improving the process for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), a critical procedure for patients with aortic stenosis. Before the program, 450 patients in 2022 alone experienced delays in receiving this life-saving treatment.
Armed with new data skills, Community Health Network employees built a dashboard to streamline the process. The results were nothing short of remarkable:
- 20 percent decrease in time to complete the procedure
- 100 percent increase in the volume of Watchman devices placed
- $4.3 million in savings for the network
- Most importantly, 420 lives saved
“This is what makes the program truly special,” Chad Spann, Associate Director of Butler’s Office of Continuing and Professional Education, said. “Participants don’t just learn—they apply these skills in ways that directly impact patient care and hospital efficiency.”
Beyond individual projects, the course has sparked a larger transformation across Community Health Network:
- A 58 percent reduction in analytics support requests, as employees now feel empowered to find their own data-driven answers
- Stronger collaboration across departments, with new cross-functional relationships formed in each cohort
- More confident employees who use data to advocate for improvements and drive meaningful discussions
Given the program’s success, Butler University and Community Health Network have already developed and begun facilitating Data Literacy 2.0, which offers a deeper dive into statistics and AI and are currently in the planning stages for Data Literacy 3.0, which will focus on leadership development and operationalizing data-driven projects.
“Our goal isn’t just to teach data skills—it’s to create leaders who can drive change,” William Gulley, Butler’s program instructor, said. “The more we equip professionals with these tools, the more impact they can have—not just within their organizations, but in the communities they serve.”
The partnership between Butler University and Community Health Network proves that custom professional development programs can create real, measurable impact. And the best part? This approach isn’t limited to healthcare.
“This kind of training is beneficial in any industry—finance, manufacturing, you name it,” Spann added. “We’re excited to continue offering tailored programs that help professionals grow and organizations thrive.”