Big data analytics in the health sector: challenges and potentials

Abstract

Research Question: The introduction of the Big Data concept in the healthcare sector points to a major challenge and potential. Motivation: Our goal is to indicate the importance of analyzing and processing large amounts of data that go beyond the typical ways of storing and processing information. Тhе data have their own characteristics: volume, velocity and variety. There are different structures. Analysis of these data is possible with the Big Data concept. Its importance is most evident in the health sector, because the preservation of the health status of the population depends on adequate data analysis. Idea: The idea of the paper is that big health data analytics contributes to a better quality provision of health services. The process is more efficient and effective. Data: Health analytics suggests that more and more resources are being utilized globally. In order to achieve improvements, health analytics and Big data concepts play a vital role in overcoming the obstacles, working more efficiently and aiming at providing adequate medical care. Tools: The Big data concept will help identify patients with developed chronic diseases. Big data can identify outbreaks of flu or other epidemics in real time. In this way, they are managed by the healthcare system, reducing overall healthcare costs over time, and increasing revenues. Findings: A key policy challenge is to improve the outcomes of the healthcare system,  data collection and analysis, security, storage and transfers. Big data are the potential to improve quality of care, improve predictions of diseases, improve the treatment methods, reduce costs. Contribution: This paper points to the challenges and potentials of Big Health Data analytics and formulates good reasons to apply the Big Data concept in healthcare.