Health 'Big Data' Value, Benefit, and Control: The Patient eHealth Equity Gap

Abstract

Improvements in artificial intelligence and machine learning combined with the availability and exponential growth in individual and population health data offer opportunities for innovative patient/citizen-centered eHealth solutions. However, this confluence of social, technical, and economic interests can result in the privatization of control of patient data and contribute to widening inequity in access to healthcare. This paper explores these issues and advocates for a more equitable approach to advances in health big data for patients and citizens.

Keywords: Health disparities; artificial intelligence; big data; digital divide; eHealth; health equity; patient-centered.