The Ubiquity of Data & Communication: A Double-Edged Sword for Disparities

Abstract

The fourth industrial revolution, in which most information is stored in digital form, is characterized by connectivity and communication among people and groups via, for instance, cell phones and smart watches. The amount of information now generated about people's health-related activities is multiple log orders more voluminous and complex than the data currently captured in the electronic health record from patient interactions with clinicians. Despite the data's complexity, it is now possible for health care administrators, policymakers, and clinical researchers to develop—and then test—data-informed interventions that could reduce health disparities. For example, programs initiated by a county government and a major medical system have, respectively, improved asthma management and reduced lead exposure in their localities. Use of big data can be a double-edged sword, however. The technology that allows for high-end use of data also opens the way to increasing disparities, as could happen, for instance, if geospatial information were used to locate clinics in places that optimize profit rather than meet health needs. Efforts are underway to limit this risk.