[Big data analysis and evidence-based medicine: controversy or cooperation]

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Informatics
• Public Health Data Science

Background:

• The transition from empirical to evidence-based medicine is a significant advancement.
• Big data analysis offers powerful tools for biomedical and healthcare challenges.

Discussion:

• Big data analysis presents opportunities for addressing challenges in clinical decision-making and public health policy in China.
• The debate on whether big data analysis can replace evidence-based medicine is unproductive; both are valuable tools.
• Effective implementation requires addressing current limitations in big data analysis application within China's healthcare system.

Key Insights:

• A strong foundation in original database design, construction, and collection is paramount for both evidence-based medicine and big data analytics.
• Prioritizing the development of substantial data infrastructure is critical for advancing healthcare in China.
• Ensuring the quality and accessibility of original data is fundamental for reliable evidence generation and data-driven insights.

Outlook:

• Future efforts should focus on building robust data infrastructure to support evidence-based medicine and big data analysis.
• Continued investment in data collection and management will enhance clinical decision-making and public health strategies.
• Collaborative initiatives are needed to establish comprehensive and high-quality biomedical databases in China.