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Author: Kornelia Batko and Andrzej Ślęzak
Publisher: PubMed Central
Year: 2022
Summary: Batko and Slezak discuss the vagueness of the term big data, and various definitions. Their definition of big data is a phenomenon where a dataset gets so big/complex that traditional methods do not work for storage/analysis/processing. It is more than a technological issue – healthcare has always involved a growing volume and variety of data, but big data fundamentally requires reexamining how we understand healthcare and altering its administrative/hands-on/business aspects. The author analyzes big data through three lenses. Epidemiologically, big data can enable advanced preventative programs. Business-wise, big data enables a variety of personalized services. Clinically, big data advances personalized medicine and treatments. The authors also conducted a survey of Polish medical institutions regarding their relationship with big data. This detailed the rate/type of data analysis conducted, how much data which organizations use, and how capable each organization is of analysis. Overall, the use of big data in healthcare seems to be expanding and deepening, but institutions need to maintain their focus on patients’ benefit and safety while restructuring their businesses and making alterations to product offerings.