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Electronic Health Records (EHRs) is by far the most prevalent use of big data in medicine. Each patient has his or her own digital record, which contains demographic information, medical history, allergies, and laboratory test results, among other things. Records are shared securely via information systems and are accessible to both public and private sector providers. Each record is composed of a single modifiable file, which enables doctors to make changes over time without incurring additional paperwork or risk of data replication.

Additionally, EHRs can generate alerts and reminders when a patient requires a new lab test or track prescriptions to ensure the patient is following doctors’ orders. While EHRs are an excellent idea, many countries have yet to fully implement them. The United States has made significant strides, with 94% of hospitals adopting EHRs, according to this HITECH research, but the European Union continues to lag behind. However, an ambitious directive being drafted by the European Commission is intended to alter that situation.

Kaiser Permanente is setting the standard in the United States and may serve as a model for the EU. They’ve fully implemented a system called Health Connect, which allows data to be shared across all of their locations and simplifies the use of EHRs. According to a McKinsey report on big data healthcare, the integrated system has improved cardiovascular disease outcomes and saved an estimated $1 billion through reduced office visits and lab tests.