The benefits of big data analytics in the healthcare sector : what are they and who benefits?

The benefits of big data analytics in the healthcare sector are assumed to be substantial, and early proponents have been very enthusiastic (Chen, Chiang, & Storey, 2012), but little research has been carried out to confirm just what those benefits are, and to whom they accrue (Bollier, 2010). This chapter presents an overview of existing literature that demonstrates quantifiable, measurable benefits of big data analytics, confirmed by researchers across a variety of healthcare disciplines. The chapter examines aspects of clinical operations in healthcare including Cost Effectiveness Research (CER), Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDS), Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), Personalized Medicine (PM), as well as several public health initiatives. This examination is in the context of searching for the benefits described resulting from the deployment of big data analytics. Results indicate the principle benefits are delivered in terms of improved outcomes for patients and lower costs for healthcare providers.