Medicine and healthcare are two of the most important parts of human lives, and so it is vital that Data Science is used. In the past, healthcare of patients relied solely on doctors’ advice, which wasn’t always correct due to human error. However, advancements in Data Science, mean that it is now possible to obtain accurate diagnostic measures, with less effort and lowered costs. 

Below, we look into how Data Science is being used in the Healthcare Industry. 

Medical Imaging 

Imaging techniques such as X-Ray, MRI and CT scans all visualize inside the human body, and traditionally doctors would then inspect to identify any irregularities. However, there are sometimes only microscopic deformities that the human eye cannot pick up on, which could lead to things being missed. However, Data Science has helped to combat this issue, as technologies can use image segmentation to search for defects present on the scan, or can use image recognition and image enhancement to help with the process. This makes it more accurate, and leaves smaller room for human errors. 

Disease Prevention 

Data Science plays a vital part in monitoring patients’ health and taking steps to prevent potential diseases from occurring. Data scientists use analytical tools to detect chronic diseases at an early level, which helps to lower costs and optimise healthcare spending. This is because catching a disease early on is much cheaper than managing it at later stages. For example, Universities in Brazil have developed an AI platform that can identify and diagnose Zika Virus. 

Monitoring Patient Health 

Data Science plays a role in the Internet of Things, such as helping to collect data on patients. An example of this is patients wearing devices that can track heartbeat and temperature, that doctors can then use to analyse. This helps them to keep track of a patient’s health. These IoT create real-time analytics, helping doctors to make necessary decisions to help their patients quickly and efficiently. 

Genomics 

Genomics is the study of sequencing and analysis of genomes – the DNA and genes of all organisms. In the past, organisations have spent large amounts of time and money on analysing the sequence of genes, however with Data Science tools, it is now possible to analyse the human gene at a much quicker pace, and for a lower cost. This allows scientists to analyse and identify any irregularities or defects in genomic strands, and find the connection between these and the health of the patient. Scientists and doctors can then use this data to find the right drug to use – helping to give a deeper insight into how a drug reacts to genetic issues. 

Drug Discovery 

Following on from this, data science can help with drug discovery – a practice that once was extremely time-consuming and costly. Machine Learning has revolutionized the process, providing helpful insights and increasing the success rate of predictions. They do this by using patient information to develop models and identify relationships between the insights, to then design drugs that address key mutations in genetic sequences. 

 

Data Science is a crucial part of the Healthcare industry, to predict diseases in patients and abnormalities on scans, to ultimately improve the lifestyle of these patients. If you are interested in more big data solutions within the Healthcare industry, contact us now to see how we can help.