Jim Adams Discusses Using Big Data Successfully to Care for Patients

Gathering and having access to an enormous amount of data isn’t the most important thing; using that data at the time of need to influence care choices is crucial, said Jim Adams, chief innovation officer, AllianceRx Walgreens Prime.

Transcript

How can big data be successfully used to address social determinants of health for patients with rare and chronic diseases?

We have access to an enormous amount of meaningful data. It isn't just the analysis of it, though that at a macro level should inform what we do, it's the access to it in the moment of need that becomes really, really important. Big data, being able to analyze and understand not just what factors might influence a particular outcome for a very, very specific patient, it isn't just the analysis that's important, it's our ability to consume that at the right moment to influence the patient, and the patient's decision becomes really, really important.

So, it's not just the data itself, but it's how do you contextualize something broad, massive and big, down to that very small and meaningful soundbite that we can convey to a patient during our interaction that's going to help to persuade them and care for them and take care of them in this important moment of need that they have? That's really the opportunity. It's how do you get big data down to a data point that's on a single pane of glass so that you can take care of a patient the way that they deserve.