Big Data - And its contributions to peri-operative medicine

Abstract

Big Data is here to stay and provides a wonderful opportunity for physicians, epidemiologists and health policy experts to make datadriven decisions that will ultimately improve patient care. Registry analyses will not replace other kinds of clinical research, especially clinical trials. But Big Data will enhance design and conduct of trials, to say nothing of providing robust information about many conditions that cannot be modified experimentally or are simply to rare to evaluate in trials. Appropriate analysis of Big Data will also provide a rational basis for sound health policy decisions. © 2013 The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland.