Improving Health with Data | William Paiva | TEDxOStateU

Summary

In a TED talk, the speaker discusses the exponential growth of healthcare data, noting that over 90% of the world's data has been created in the last two years, much of it unstructured. Highlighting a smartphone ECG device that enables easy monitoring of atrial fibrillation, the talk emphasizes the shift towards mobile health solutions. The speaker shares a compelling example of how Target used purchasing data to predict pregnancies. With access to a vast healthcare database at Oklahoma State University, the goal is to innovate healthcare analytics, turning individual data into actionable insights for improved patient outcomes.

Takeaways

• 📈 Data in healthcare is growing exponentially, with over 90% of the world's data created in the last two years, much of it unstructured.
• 🏥 The healthcare industry generates around 14 million terabytes of data annually, primarily from patient interactions and clinical activities.
• 📱 Innovative technologies, like smartphone-compatible ECG devices, enable quicker and more accessible healthcare diagnostics.
• 🔍 Companies are increasingly using social media data to gain insights into health trends and potential health issues among users.
• 🛒 Retailers like Target can predict pregnancy based on purchasing patterns, showcasing the potential of data analytics in healthcare.
• 📊 Oklahoma State University has access to a large healthcare database, collected from over 480 hospitals, representing 50 million patients.
• 🔬 Data analysis at OSU aims to improve healthcare outcomes by understanding factors that influence patient care and costs.
• 🏅 The goal is to establish OSU as a leader in healthcare data analytics, comparable to Silicon Valley for technology.
• 📚 Insights gained from data can help turn patient records into actionable medical knowledge, improving individual and aggregate health outcomes.
• 💡 Collaboration is encouraged for those interested in advancing healthcare analytics and utilizing the vast data resources available.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the TED talk?

The main topic of the TED talk is the influence of data on healthcare, specifically focusing on the exponential growth of healthcare data and its implications for medical diagnostics and patient care.

What statistic does the speaker mention regarding the growth of data?

The speaker mentions that over 90% of the world's data has been created in the last two years, with over 80% of that being unstructured data, particularly in healthcare.

Why is unstructured data a concern in healthcare?

Unstructured data is a concern in healthcare because much of the information, such as handwritten notes from doctors, is not easily analyzable or accessible, which hinders effective data utilization.

What is the significance of electronic health records (EHRs)?

Electronic health records (EHRs) are significant because they aim to digitize healthcare data, making it more structured and accessible for analysis, which can enhance patient care and outcomes.

What technology does the speaker showcase during the talk?

The speaker showcases a small, FDA-approved electrocardiogram (ECG) device that attaches to a smartphone to monitor heart health and detect atrial fibrillation in patients.

How does the ECG device enhance patient diagnosis?

The ECG device enhances patient diagnosis by allowing users to obtain clinical-quality ECG readings on their smartphones, providing immediate feedback about potential atrial fibrillation without needing a doctor's visit.

What example does the speaker provide to illustrate the power of data in healthcare?

The speaker provides an example of Target using purchasing data to predict pregnancy, demonstrating how analyzing consumer behavior can yield significant insights into health-related trends.

What access does Oklahoma State University have that benefits healthcare data analysis?

Oklahoma State University has access to the largest relational healthcare database in the country, containing data from over 480 hospitals, which represents over 50 million patients.

What is the goal of using the healthcare data at Oklahoma State University?

The goal of using the healthcare data at Oklahoma State University is to mine this data to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes in the United States.

What vision does the speaker have for Oklahoma State University regarding healthcare data analytics?

The speaker envisions turning Oklahoma State University into the 'Silicon Valley for healthcare data analytics,' leveraging its resources and data access to lead advancements in the field.