scholarly journals How can we discover the most valuable types of big data and artificial intelligence-based solutions? A methodology for the efficient development of the underlying analytics that improve care

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lytske Bakker ◽  
Jos Aarts ◽  
Carin Uyl-de Groot ◽  
Ken Redekop

Abstract Background Much has been invested in big data and artificial intelligence-based solutions for healthcare. However, few applications have been implemented in clinical practice. Early economic evaluations can help to improve decision-making by developers of analytics underlying these solutions aiming to increase the likelihood of successful implementation, but recommendations about their use are lacking. The aim of this study was to develop and apply a framework that positions best practice methods for economic evaluations alongside development of analytics, thereby enabling developers to identify barriers to success and to select analytics worth further investments. Methods The framework was developed using literature, recommendations for economic evaluations and by applying the framework to use cases (chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), intensive care, diabetes). First, the feasibility of developing clinically relevant analytics was assessed and critical barriers to successful development and implementation identified. Economic evaluations were then used to determine critical thresholds and guide investment decisions. Results When using the framework to assist decision-making of developers of analytics, continuing development was not always feasible or worthwhile. Developing analytics for progressive CLL and diabetes was clinically relevant but not feasible with the data available. Alternatively, developing analytics for newly diagnosed CLL patients was feasible but continuing development was not considered worthwhile because the high drug costs made it economically unattractive for potential users. Alternatively, in the intensive care unit, analytics reduced mortality and per-patient costs when used to identify infections (− 0.5%, − €886) and to improve patient-ventilator interaction (− 3%, − €264). Both analytics have the potential to save money but the potential benefits of analytics that identify infections strongly depend on infection rate; a higher rate implies greater cost-savings. Conclusions We present a framework that stimulates efficiency of development of analytics for big data and artificial intelligence-based solutions by selecting those applications of analytics for which development is feasible and worthwhile. For these applications, results from early economic evaluations can be used to guide investment decisions and identify critical requirements.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lytske Bakker ◽  
Jos Aarts ◽  
Carin Uyl-de Groot ◽  
Ken Redekop

BACKGROUND Much has been invested in big data and artificial intelligence-based solutions for healthcare. However, few applications have actually been implemented in clinical practice. Early economic evaluations can help to improve decision-making by developers of analytics underlying these solutions to increase the likelihood of successful implementation, but recommendations about their use are lacking. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to develop and apply a framework that positions best-practice methods for economic evaluations alongside development of analytics, thereby enabling developers to identify barriers to success and to select analytics worth further investments. METHODS The framework was developed using literature, recommendations for economic evaluations and by applying the framework to use cases (chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), intensive care, diabetes). First, the feasibility of developing clinically relevant analytics was assessed and critical barriers to successful development and implementation identified. Hereafter, economic evaluations were used to determine critical thresholds and guide investment decisions. RESULTS Developing analytics for progressive CLL and diabetes was clinically relevant but not feasible with the data available. Alternatively, developing analytics for newly diagnosed CLL patients was feasible but continuing development was not considered worthwhile because the high drug costs resulted in an unfavorable cost-effectiveness ratio for potential users. In the intensive care, analytics reduced mortality and per-patient costs when used to identify infections (-0.5%, -€886) and also to improve patient-ventilator interaction (-3%, -€264). Both analytics hold the potential to save money but the return on investment for developers of analytics that identify infections strongly depends on infection rate; a higher rate implies greater cost-savings. CONCLUSIONS We present a framework that stimulates efficiency of development of analytics for big data and artificial intelligence-based solutions by selecting those applications of analytics for which development is feasible and worthwhile. For these applications, results from early economic evaluations can be used to guide investment decisions and identify critical requirements.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pooya Tabesh

Purpose While it is evident that the introduction of machine learning and the availability of big data have revolutionized various organizational operations and processes, existing academic and practitioner research within decision process literature has mostly ignored the nuances of these influences on human decision-making. Building on existing research in this area, this paper aims to define these concepts from a decision-making perspective and elaborates on the influences of these emerging technologies on human analytical and intuitive decision-making processes. Design/methodology/approach The authors first provide a holistic understanding of important drivers of digital transformation. The authors then conceptualize the impact that analytics tools built on artificial intelligence (AI) and big data have on intuitive and analytical human decision processes in organizations. Findings The authors discuss similarities and differences between machine learning and two human decision processes, namely, analysis and intuition. While it is difficult to jump to any conclusions about the future of machine learning, human decision-makers seem to continue to monopolize the majority of intuitive decision tasks, which will help them keep the upper hand (vis-à-vis machines), at least in the near future. Research limitations/implications The work contributes to research on rational (analytical) and intuitive processes of decision-making at the individual, group and organization levels by theorizing about the way these processes are influenced by advanced AI algorithms such as machine learning. Practical implications Decisions are building blocks of organizational success. Therefore, a better understanding of the way human decision processes can be impacted by advanced technologies will prepare managers to better use these technologies and make better decisions. By clarifying the boundaries/overlaps among concepts such as AI, machine learning and big data, the authors contribute to their successful adoption by business practitioners. Social implications The work suggests that human decision-makers will not be replaced by machines if they continue to invest in what they do best: critical thinking, intuitive analysis and creative problem-solving. Originality/value The work elaborates on important drivers of digital transformation from a decision-making perspective and discusses their practical implications for managers.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Asgari ◽  
yvan beauregard

With its diversification in products and services, today’s marketplace makes competition wildly dynamic and unpredictable for industries. In such an environment, daily operational decision-making has a vital role in producing value for products and services while avoiding the risk of loss and hazard to human health and safety. However, it makes a large portion of operational costs for industries. The main reason is that decision-making belongs to the operational tasks dominated by humans. The less involvement of humans, as a less controllable entity, in industrial operation could also favorable for improving workplace health and safety. To this end, artificial intelligence is proposed as an alternative to doing human decision-making tasks. Still, some of the functional characteristics of the brain that allow humans to make decisions in unpredictable environments like the current industry, especially knowledge generalization, are challenging for artificial intelligence. To find an applicable solution, we study the principles that underlie the human brain functions in decision-making. The relative base functions are realized to develop a model in a simulated unpredictable environment for a decision-making system that could decide which information is beneficial to choose. The method executed to build our model's neuronal interactions is unique that aims to mimic some simple functions of the brain in decision-making. It has the potential to develop for systems acting in the higher abstraction levels and complexities in real-world environments. This system and our study will help to integrate more artificial intelligence in industrial operations and settings. The more successful implementation of artificial intelligence will be the steeper decreasing operational costs and risks.


Author(s):  
Chantal Huijbers ◽  
Sarah Richmond ◽  
Lee Belbin ◽  
Hamish Holewa

Effective management of our natural world under current and future conditions requires efficient, collaborative and complementary planning and decision-making processes with clear lines of accountability. While there has been significant progress in establishing national databases for the management of species observation data, these only represent samples of a species' total distribution. The need and challenge therefore is to model these point-based observation data to obtain estimates or projections of the total range and distribution of the species. Such Species Distribution Models (SDMs), also known as Environmental Niche Models (ENMs), and the geographic data (or “maps”) they generate, provide vital information needed by governments at all levels to meet various policy and statutory responsibilities and obligations. SDMs quantify the response of species occurrence to environmental conditions described by variables such as climate, substrate, productivity and vegetation. The outcomes of an SDM can be used to identify locations and regions with potentially suitable environmental conditions for a species, as well as assess how species may respond to projected future climate changes or habitat loss. While SDMs are widely used in many decision- and policy-making programs, investment in species distribution information has been fragmented and limited. In Australia, three different government departments joined forces with the Atlas of Living Australia and the Biodiversity and Climate Change Virtual Laboratory to develop a standard framework for modelling threatened species distributions for use in policy and environmental decision-making. The pilot program that will be conducted throughout 2019 includes three complementary pillars: An expert panel with both researchers and government practitioners who will review current SDM practices used in government and develop a set of best-practice methods. A technology program that includes the development of a new modelling platform that implements the best-practice methods for transparent and reproducible SDMs for decision making as established by the expert panel. Additionally, there will be an online portal for publishing ecological model outputs in a searchable catalogue to enhance cross-jurisdiction collaborations. Establishment of a training and skill development program to upskill decision makers using the new tools and methodology in practice. An expert panel with both researchers and government practitioners who will review current SDM practices used in government and develop a set of best-practice methods. A technology program that includes the development of a new modelling platform that implements the best-practice methods for transparent and reproducible SDMs for decision making as established by the expert panel. Additionally, there will be an online portal for publishing ecological model outputs in a searchable catalogue to enhance cross-jurisdiction collaborations. Establishment of a training and skill development program to upskill decision makers using the new tools and methodology in practice. This presentation will showcase the outcomes of this program and highlight how digital infrastructure can enhance decision making. In this case specifically, the collaboration across government departments ensures a) a consistent approach across jurisdictions, b) an increase in model quality, thereby leading to a decrease in unnecessary survey or consultation efforts, c) an increase in suitability, robustness and reproducibility of SDMs, and d) increased advocacy and coordination in national programs and resources.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (9) ◽  
pp. 1466-1475
Author(s):  
Lytske Bakker ◽  
Jos Aarts ◽  
Carin Uyl-de Groot ◽  
William Redekop

Abstract Objective Much has been invested in big data analytics to improve health and reduce costs. However, it is unknown whether these investments have achieved the desired goals. We performed a scoping review to determine the health and economic impact of big data analytics for clinical decision-making. Materials and Methods We searched Medline, Embase, Web of Science and the National Health Services Economic Evaluations Database for relevant articles. We included peer-reviewed papers that report the health economic impact of analytics that assist clinical decision-making. We extracted the economic methods and estimated impact and also assessed the quality of the methods used. In addition, we estimated how many studies assessed “big data analytics” based on a broad definition of this term. Results The search yielded 12 133 papers but only 71 studies fulfilled all eligibility criteria. Only a few papers were full economic evaluations; many were performed during development. Papers frequently reported savings for healthcare payers but only 20% also included costs of analytics. Twenty studies examined “big data analytics” and only 7 reported both cost-savings and better outcomes. Discussion The promised potential of big data is not yet reflected in the literature, partly since only a few full and properly performed economic evaluations have been published. This and the lack of a clear definition of “big data” limit policy makers and healthcare professionals from determining which big data initiatives are worth implementing.


Author(s):  
Zhaohao Sun

Intelligent big data analytics is an emerging paradigm in the age of big data, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI). This chapter explores intelligent big data analytics from a managerial perspective. More specifically, it first looks at the age of trinity and argues that intelligent big data analytics is at the center of the age of trinity. This chapter then proposes a managerial framework of intelligent big data analytics, which consists of intelligent big data analytics as a science, technology, system, service, and management for improving business decision making. Then it examines intelligent big data analytics for management taking into account four managerial functions: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. The proposed approach in this chapter might facilitate the research and development of intelligent big data analytics, big data analytics, business intelligence, artificial intelligence, and data science.


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