The age of big data

Big data analysis helps to deduce evidence-based information to improve efficiency, reduce healthcare delivery costs

- VIKRAM THAPLOO

The advent of digital technology and digitisation of healthcare-related information has given us unprecedented access to a large reserve of data. We are sitting over a data field that when processed can provide valuable insights into disease incidence, progression and treatment outcomes and even help us predict disease epidemics.

Big data analysis helps us deduce evidence-based information to improve efficiency, reduce healthcare delivery costs and arrive at best practices to treat a disease. It can also give a huge boost to clinical research and precision drug development. Market research indicates that the global big data analytics in healthcare market size which was valued at $ 16.87 billion in 2017, is projected to reach $67.82 billion by 2025. This accounts for a growth of a CAGR 19.1% from 2018 to 2025.

The industry is already processing over 30 billion transactions a year by producing zettabytes of data taken from EMRs, medical imaging, medical devices, etc. Much like in many other industries, this tool today is being used to revolutionise healthcare, improve service delivery, structure the research, enhance diagnosis/imaging results, and generate patient data outside clinical context, behaviorual data, wellness information, environmental data and public health data. All of these constitute a patient digital health trial.

Here is how big data is revolutionising healthcare:

Cost reduction