Big Data Defined: A Practical Review for Neurosurgeons
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Published on: July 5, 2021
Mohamad Bydon1, Clemens M Schirmer2, Eric K Oermann3
1Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
Background:
Modern science and healthcare generate vast amounts of data, and, coupled with the increasingly inexpensive and accessible computing, a tremendous opportunity exists to use these data to improve care. A better understanding of data science and its relationship to neurosurgical practice will be increasingly important as we transition into this modern "big data" era.
Methods:
A review of the literature was performed for key articles referencing big data for neurosurgical care or related topics.
Results:
In the present report, we first defined the nature and scope of data science from a technical perspective. We then discussed its relationship to the modern neurosurgical practice, highlighting key references, which might form a useful introductory reading list.
Conclusions:
Numerous challenges exist going forward; however, organized neurosurgery has an important role in fostering and facilitating these efforts to merge data science with neurosurgical practice.
