The Usefulness and Challenges of Big Data in Healthcare

Abstract

Big data in healthcare is important as it can be used in the prediction of outcome of diseases prevention of co-morbidities, mortality and saving the cost of medical treatment. In many countries, big data has becoming an important database where information generated could be used for treatment and management of diseases. In Malaysia, the focus on big data has started and some initiatives have been put in place to share information patient’s medical records and knowledge among general public, private hospitals and clinics. Nevertheless there are many challenges in implementing big data in healthcare especially in relation to privacy, security, standards, governance, integration of data, data accommodation, data classification, incorporation of technology etc. It is imperative that these challenges to be overcome before big data can be implemented successfully in healthcare.