Big Data Analytics in Health Care Operations

In this paper, we analyze extant literature to assess the state of big data analytics relative to health care operations and report the preliminary findings of our research. Using multiple databases, we examine the literature to identify relevant resources addressing the health care areas of clinical operations, research and development, and public health. Big data analytics provides great potential for health care operations to increase patient safety and quality health care while reducing medical errors and costs. Additional benefits in health care organizations include improved quality of clinical decision-making, enhanced clinical trials and improved identification of public health hazard. Our research provides a foundation for future research by identifying current capabilities and implicating benefits to health care operations management professionals. Practitioners in health care operations gain from this study by recognizing means to increase patient safety and quality health care while reducing medical errors and costs.