PD 06 - Big Data Analytics in Biomedical Research and Healthcare

Data is now a cornerstone of the healthcare industry. It documents everything from blood pressure readings and surgical records to insurance claims, immunization histories, patient demographics and receipts of payment. But even though Big Data may bridge the gap between healthcare delivery and population health and improve many health outcomes through enhanced methods of research, the detailed collection of personal information poses ethical, regulatory and technical challenges. In addition, much of the promise of Big Data in health care is still awaiting confirmation through evidence from large trials of high quality.

This session will explore the opportunities but also the challenges for Big Data to assist governments and health care providers in delivering maximum benefit to society. Big Data will drive fact-based decisions by policy makers and shape how health systems address societal and global challenges in both developed and developing economies. The increased scope, detail and availability of patient and population data will also influence the broader debate around data governance and the associated ethical issues. Our panelists will discuss technological, commercial, statistical, ethical, practical, as well as policy issues which we encounter when moving from small to Big Data to help clinical practice management, surveillance, health system management, and research and innovation.