How seamless, secure sharing of data is essential to improve health outcomes

5 minute read 14 Mar 2019
By Pamela Spence

EY Global Health Sciences and Wellness Industry Leader and Life Sciences Industry Leader

Ambassador for outcomes-based performance and healthy aging. Advocate for women.

5 minute read 14 Mar 2019

Platform-enabled businesses will take full advantage of the proliferation of health data to deliver better outcomes to people

Historically, medicine was a clinical science supported by data. But advances in artificial intelligence, sensor technology and computational power mean medicine is evolving into a data science supported by clinicians.

As the volume of health data has grown exponentially there are new opportunities to improve health outcomes – if the data can be connected and analyzed.

Technology-based platforms are critical to this process. These platforms are scalable interfaces that bring companies and people together to safely share health information.

Platforms to track vital signs or manage diseases such as diabetes already exist. They have limited functionality because they are disconnected from each other. As platforms mature, an interconnected data network will emerge.

It’s hard to predict which companies will play a central role in health care’s platform-based future. Life sciences companies could play a critical role if they move beyond traditional definitions of innovation to engage consumers and personalize their offerings. 

Summary

Today, health data is fragmented, so people aren’t able to get the best care at the right time. They are living longer, but not better. Advances in technology could change that.

About this article

By Pamela Spence

EY Global Health Sciences and Wellness Industry Leader and Life Sciences Industry Leader

Ambassador for outcomes-based performance and healthy aging. Advocate for women.