Cited by 126Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and EducationArtificial Intelligence in HealthcareElectronic Health Records Systems

Beyond the hype of big data and artificial intelligence: building foundations for knowledge and wisdom

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Car, Josip, Sheikh, Aziz, Wicks, Paul, Williams, Marc S.·2019·BMC Medicine

Abstract

Big data, coupled with the use of advanced analytical approaches, such as artificial intelligence (AI), have the potential to improve medical outcomes and population health. Data that are routinely generated from, for example, electronic medical records and smart devices have become progressively easier and cheaper to collect, process, and analyze. In recent decades, this has prompted a substantial increase in biomedical research efforts outside traditional clinical trial settings. Despite the apparent enthusiasm of researchers, funders, and the media, evidence is scarce for successful implementation of products, algorithms, and services arising that make a real difference to clinical care. This article collection provides concrete examples of how "big data" can be used to advance healthcare and discusses some of the limitations and challenges encountered with this type of research. It primarily focuses on real-world data, such as electronic medical records and genomic medicine, considers new developments in AI and digital health, and discusses ethical considerations and issues related to data sharing. Overall, we remain positive that big data studies and associated new technologies will continue to guide novel, exciting research that will ultimately improve healthcare and medicine-but we are also realistic that concerns remain about privacy, equity, security, and benefit to all.

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Authors
Car, J., Sheikh, A., Wicks, P., & Williams, M. S.
Affiliations
  • Nanyang Technological University (SG)
  • University of Edinburgh (GB)
  • PatientsLikeMe (United States) (US)
Corresponding author
Wicks, Paul
Venue
BMC Medicine
Published
2019-07-17
Volume
17
Issue
1
Pages
143-143
ISSN
1741-7015 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2957812729
Cited by
126
References
34
Citations by year
2026: 9 · 2025: 14 · 2024: 16 · 2023: 17 · 2022: 15 · 2021: 22 · 2020: 27 · 2019: 6
FWCI
5.57
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • BMC Medicine (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
  • DR-NTU (Nanyang Technological University) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • Edinburgh Research Explorer (University of Edinburgh) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Health Informatics › Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Health Information Management › Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Health Information Management › Electronic Health Records Systems
Keywords
big data, artificial intelligence, real-world data, electronic health records, genomic medicine, digital health, data sharing ethics, privacy, data security, health equity, population health
MeSH terms
Big Data, Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, Bioethics, Delivery of Health Care, Humans, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Knowledge, Genomics, Information Dissemination, Biomedical Research, Electronic Health Records

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