Digital Health & Big Data: Getting Beyond Hype to Effect Systemic Disruption

 What is Digital Health? Do we really understand the term Big Data? As a health sector specialist monitoring industry trends, I often come across misconceptions and misinterpretations of these terms.

 Call me cynical but there is far too much jumping on the ‘buzzword of the moment’ bandwagon without first taking the time to fully understand how healthcare systems work. Don’t get me wrong—we want the disruptive innovations that Digital Health and Big Data bring. But at the same time, we need to keep asking: what does it mean to develop sustainable solutions? Multiple individual solutions, while each in their own way wow us, only lead to better patient outcomes and improve healthcare systems overall if the solutions find ways to integrate with one another.

 There is a pressing need for change in most healthcare markets, both on the public and private sector side. Business as usual is not an option—we need not just to accept disruption but to embrace it. However, we also need to move beyond the hype and excitement that surrounds the innovations and demonstrate how Digital Health and Big Data create new pathways to better healthcare systems. 

 For this reason, at our upcoming healthcare conference in Miami on March 26-27, we are organizing a plenary panel of experts to unpack these two closely related topics. The panelists will do a deep dive into the following questions:

 ·       What is hype and what is real right now, and what will be possible in future?

·        How do we unlock the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

·        How to take fullest advantage of the benefits of Big Data?

·        What are the stumbling blocks that prevent us from fully embracing AI and Big Data?

·        How do AI and Big Data work in emerging healthcare markets? Do they need customized solutions?

·        How do we integrate Digital Health solutions into existing healthcare systems, both public and private?

 This panel will be moderated by my colleague Monique Mrazek, Senior Investment Officer IFC Venture Capital and Healthcare Practices. The panelists will be innovative leaders from the world of AI and Big Data.

Part 1 of 8 Part Primer on 8th IFC Global Private Healthcare Conference in Miami Beach, Florida on March 27–28. IFC will convene 500 healthcare entrepreneurs, investors, ministers, and thought leaders for two days of great discussions and facilitated networking. This is the only such conference focused on private healthcare in emerging markets. Please join us—Register today!

Keep up with the latest on private healthcare in emerging markets by following the IFC Health LinkedIn showcase page