AI is Data-Starved: Big Data is the Fuel for the Future of Healthcare

In the past month, both The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and Reuters shed light on a critical but often overlooked hurdle in the race for artificial intelligence (AI) advancement: data acquisition. Artificial intelligence, across all industries, is facing a silent crisis: a lack of the fuel that propels progress – real-world data.

While the allure of “Big Data” has dominated headlines for years, the focus has often been on quantity, not quality. The reality is, AI models are only as good as the data they’re trained on. Biases, inaccuracies, and incomplete information within datasets can lead to flawed models that perpetuate existing problems or create entirely new ones.

The stakes are particularly high in healthcare, MedTech, and Life Sciences. Here, AI is poised to revolutionize diagnostics, therapeutics, and personalized medicine. However, without substantial real-world data (RWD) healthcare data – information collected during routine patient care, labs, notes and imaging – these advancements could falter.

RWD: The Missing Ingredient in Healthcare AI

Imagine developing a revolutionary Colorectal cancer treatment model, only to discover later that it performs poorly for specific patient demographics because the training data lacked sufficient representation. This is a very real possibility without RWD.

RWD offers a wealth of insights beyond the controlled environment of clinical trials. It captures the complexities of real-world medical practice, including patient adherence to treatment plans, unforeseen side effects, and interactions with other medications. This comprehensive picture is crucial for developing robust, generalizable AI models in healthcare.

Here’s how RWD empowers AI in healthcare:

  • Model Development: RWD provides a vast training ground for AI algorithms, allowing them to learn from the nuances of real-world medical scenarios.
  • Health Equity: One of the key shortfalls of AI, as we’ve recently seen in areas outside of healthcare is bias. In healthcare, this problem is amplified by the small number of examples representing each condition, and the unique characteristics of every patient in a given population. By tapping into orders of magnitude more data when compared to clinical trials, RWD helps identify and address disparities in AI in healthcare, as well as access and treatment outcomes for different populations. By feeding this rich data into AI models, we can develop solutions that promote equitable healthcare delivery.
  • HEOR Research: Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) utilizes RWD to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and real-world impact of new treatments. This data is essential for ensuring AI-driven healthcare solutions are not only effective but also financially sustainable.

Addressing the RWD Challenge

The road to unlocking the full potential of RWD in AI for healthcare is not without obstacles. Data privacy concerns, fragmented healthcare systems, and the lack of standardized data collection formats are all significant hurdles.

Here are some key steps to overcome these hurdles:

  • Privacy-Preserving Technologies: Implementing techniques like anonymization and trusted research environments can significantly reduce the risk to patient data and patient privacy while enabling data utilization for AI development.
  • AI-Based Data Standardization: Garbage-in, garbage-out as is widely claimed. That said, the massive investment into data standardization as it applies to claims doesn’t apply to precision medicine and advanced research, these require different approaches. And the attempt to standardize data collection will always fall short of the data needed for cutting edge analysis. Advanced data cleanup methods, made possible by AI, are here to help.This is a real opportunity to use quality data by leveraging AI to reduce the high operational cost in data collection.
  • Collaboration: Fostering collaboration between healthcare providers, researchers, and AI developers is crucial for creating a robust RWD ecosystem.

The Crucial Role of Responsible Data Sharing

However, unlocking the full potential of RWD in AI for healthcare requires going beyond simply acquiring data. Responsible data sharing practices are essential for harnessing the power of RWD while safeguarding patient privacy and trust. Here’s why responsible data sharing is essential for unlocking the potential of RWD in healthcare AI:

  • Privacy and Trust: Responsible data sharing practices ensure that patient-provider trust is maintained. Techniques like anonymization and pseudonymization can be used to protect patient identities while allowing data utilization for AI development.
  • Data Quality and Transparency: Responsible data sharing frameworks emphasize data quality and transparency. Data sources and collection methods are clearly documented, allowing researchers and developers to assess potential biases or limitations within the data.
  • Collaboration and Innovation: Responsible data sharing fosters collaboration between healthcare institutions, researchers, and AI developers. Secure data repositories and data access protocols can facilitate joint research efforts and accelerate innovation in healthcare AI.

The Future of AI in Healthcare Depends on Real-World Data

The potential of AI in healthcare is undeniable. However, this potential can only be realized if we address the data challenge head-on. By prioritizing RWD collection, ensuring responsible data governance, and fostering collaboration, we can pave the way for AI to truly transform healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

Investing in a robust RWD infrastructure is not just about feeding AI – it’s about unlocking a future of personalized, effective, and equitable healthcare for all.

Learn more about Lynx.MD‘s unique real-world data ecosystem.

About Lynx.MD

Lynx.MD offers a secure, SaaS medical intelligence platform for sharing real-world clinical data, accelerating research and development, and providing transformative analytics. With the Lynx Trusted Data Environment (TDE), organizations can collaborate with internal and external developers, data scientists, and researchers to build the next generation of data-informed applications, therapies and care options.

AI Is Doomed Without Data

Recapping Lynx.MD CEO Omer Dror ViVE 2024 Tech Talk

Omer Dror, co-founder and CEO of Lynx.MD, presented “Data & AI: How to Overcome Data Gaps To Deliver on the Promise of AI in Healthcare.” at ViVE 2024. Dror argued that while the promise of AI in healthcare is significant, there are substantial challenges with data fragmentation, availability, and a lack of collaboration that hinder progress.

Key Takeaways

  • Data fragmentation and scarcity hinder the development of accurate AI models in healthcare.
  • Collaboration and data sharing across healthcare providers are crucial for overcoming this hurdle.
  • Secure data-sharing platforms like Lynx.MD‘s Trusted Data Environment can facilitate collaboration while ensuring privacy.
  • Widespread participation in data sharing is essential to achieve AI’s potential in healthcare and ensure health equity.

Data: The Fuel for AI Innovation

Dror highlighted the vast amount of data collected in healthcare, emphasizing that 30% of the world’s data originates from this sector. However, a significant portion of this data is unstructured and not leveraged due to fragmentation across various healthcare providers and healthcare platforms. This fragmentation makes it difficult to aggregate data for analysis and make available for AI model development.

The Challenge of Data Fragmentation

Dror explained that the fragmented nature of the US healthcare system creates challenges in collecting data across a patient’s journey. Each healthcare provider collects data specific to their touchpoint, resulting in a scattered data landscape. This fragmentation makes it challenging to create accurate predictions for various patient populations because a single healthcare system often lacks sufficient data to inform for specific conditions.

Collaboration is Key

Dror emphasized the importance of data sharing and collaboration between healthcare providers, organizations and industry. He cited research from OpenAI demonstrating the exponential increase in data size required for marginal improvements in AI model accuracy. To achieve the necessary level of accuracy for AI in healthcare, collaboration and the secure sharing of structured and unstructured data is essential.

The Role of Lynx.MD

Lynx.MD offers a Trusted Data Environment that facilitates data sharing while maintaining control and privacy. The Lynx.MD solution enables data ingestion, modeling, and de-identification to ensure secure collaboration within the healthcare ecosystem. This approach allows researchers and AI developers to access data for analysis without compromising patient privacy.

Call to Action: Collaborate with Data

Dror concluded his talk by urging the audience to participate in data collaborations. He emphasized that sharing data securely while preserving patient privacy is crucial to unlocking the true potential of AI in healthcare. Without real-world data AI is doomed to provide inadequate results. He acknowledged the challenges of data cleaning and bias inherent in data collection but stressed that collaboration is necessary to address these issues and achieve health equity through widespread AI deployment.

About Lynx.MD

Lynx.MD offers a secure, SaaS medical intelligence platform for sharing real-world clinical data, accelerating research and development, and providing transformative analytics. With the Lynx Trusted Data Environment (TDE), organizations can collaborate with internal and external developers, data scientists, and researchers to build the next generation of data-informed applications, therapies and care options.

Finding insights in the under examined middle gray areas

As a  gastroenterologist, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact that effective communication can have on patient care. In our field, where every symptom and detail holds significance, the art of asking the right questions is paramount. Traditional binary inquiries, ie. do you feel better today, fall short in capturing the complexity of gastrointestinal issues and their broader implications for patient health and potential to inform research.

Consider a patient presenting with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Asking a binary question such as “Do you have abdominal pain?” merely scratches the surface of their experience. By delving deeper and probing for details about the nature, severity, and triggers of their symptoms, I can glean invaluable insights that inform diagnostic evaluations and guide personalized treatment plans.

Moreover, the broader context of a patient’s health is equally essential in managing gastrointestinal conditions effectively. Binary inquiries about diet and lifestyle habits overlook the intricate interplay of factors influencing digestive function. engaging in open-ended conversations and exploring the patient’s dietary preferences, stress levels, and medical history, I can uncover underlying triggers and develop targeted interventions that address the root cause of their symptoms.

Importantly, these non-binary conversational insights are not only critical for individual patient care but also hold significant implications for advancing research in gastroenterology. By capturing the rich nuances of patient experiences, we can identify patterns, trends, and novel therapeutic targets that drive innovation and improve outcomes for all individuals affected by gastrointestinal conditions.

In this era of technological advancement, artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) have emerged as powerful tools in harnessing the wealth of data generated through patient-provider interactions. Natural language processing algorithms enable researchers to analyze unstructured conversational data, uncovering hidden insights that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. By leveraging AI and LLMs, researchers can accelerate the pace of discovery, facilitate knowledge dissemination, and ultimately, transform the landscape of gastroenterological care.

As an industry we have to recognize the imperative of moving beyond binary questioning and embracing a more nuanced approach to patient-centered communication. Harnessing the insights gleaned from these conversations and leveraging cutting-edge technology, we can  enhance individual patient care and  drive meaningful advancements in gastroenterological research.  Navigating the gray areas between black-and-white answers, we can lay the groundwork for a future where every patient is provided with personalized, evidence-based care tailored to their distinct needs and experiences.

About Lynx.MD

Lynx.MD offers a secure, SaaS medical intelligence platform for sharing real-world clinical data, accelerating research and development, and providing transformative analytics. With the Lynx Trusted Data Environment (TDE), organizations can collaborate with internal and external developers, data scientists, and researchers to build the next generation of data-informed applications, therapies and care options.

Transforming Crohn’s & Colitis Care Through Data-Driven Insights

A future of personalized care

As a gastroenterologist and co-founder of the healthcare data company, Lynx.MD, I’ve witnessed firsthand the daily challenges faced by both patients and providers navigating the complex world of Crohn’s and Colitis. These chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are estimated to affect over 3 million Americans(1) incurring an estimated annual cost of $31 billion to the US economy. And, according to a report by the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation(2) people with IBD incur $2,213(3) in out-of-pocket costs per year on average, with some estimates placing this closer to $16,000 per year. While we, as providers, strive to provide the best possible care, there’s always room for improvement. And that’s where data becomes an invaluable tool, poised to revolutionize gastroenterology treatments.

Traditionally, treatment often involved assumptions based on best practices and trial-and-error using expensive medications, leaving patients in a cycle of dosage adjustments, treatment modifications and frustration. But data is changing that.

Data as a Beacon: Shining Light on Individualized Paths

Imagine being able to predict a patient’s disease course, identify early warning signs of flare-ups, or tailor treatment based on their unique genetic makeup. Data makes this possible. By analyzing vast datasets encompassing medical records, patient experiences, and even genetic factors, we can:

  • From Guesswork to Informed Decisions: Gone are the days of relying solely on intuition and experience. Data and analytics enable physicians to identify what works and what doesn’t, empowering them to make data-backed decisions tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
  • Predicting Outcomes and Tailoring Treatments: Data can help anticipate the course of a patient’s disease, allowing for proactive interventions and adjustments in treatment plans. Imagine detecting early markers of severe symptoms and customizing therapy accordingly, offering patients a better chance of remission.
  • Treating the Whole Person, Not Just the Disease: Data paints a holistic picture, revealing sub-types of Crohn’s and Colitis with distinct characteristics. This allows for targeted interventions, potentially avoiding unnecessary medications for certain patients, particularly young individuals who may not require aggressive treatment, yet. Regular monitoring ensures timely intervention if needed, saving patients from long-term drug use and its associated risks.
  • Precision Medicine: Biologics and Beyond: Data holds the key to unlocking the potential of biologics. By analyzing genetic and physical markers, we can predict which biologics are most likely to benefit each patient, maximizing treatment efficacy and minimizing side effects.

Beyond Medications: A Holistic Approach

Treating Crohn’s effectively goes beyond just addressing the disease itself. We must also consider the impact of social determinants of health, cultural background, and individual preferences. This is where data takes on a truly holistic role:

  • Understanding cultural nuances: By analyzing data with a cultural lens, we can provide care that respects and honors individual beliefs and values, leading to better adherence and overall well-being.
  • Addressing social disparities: Socioeconomic factors like access to healthcare can significantly impact disease outcomes. Data can help us identify and address these disparities, ensuring equitable care for all gastro patients.
  • Patient-centered decisions: Data empowers patients to be active participants in their care journey. By understanding their own data and risks, they can make informed decisions alongside their doctor, choosing treatment options that align with their values and lifestyle.

The Future is Bright: Data-Driven Solutions for Better IBD Care

The power of data is undeniable. By harnessing its insights, we can move away from trial-and-error and towards a future of personalized, data-driven Crohn’s care. This translates to:

  • Reduced reliance on unnecessary testing and medications: Saving both patients and the healthcare system time and money.
  • Improved treatment outcomes: With targeted therapies and early intervention, patients can experience fewer flare-ups and a better quality of life.
  • Empowered patients: Individuals become active partners in their care, making informed decisions about their health.

This data revolution is still in its early stages, but the potential is immense. By harnessing the power of information, we can move towards a future where Crohn’s and Colitis patients receive personalized, effective treatment, minimizing unnecessary interventions and maximizing their quality of life. This journey starts with embracing data as a powerful tool, not a replacement for, but a valuable partner in the hands of skilled healthcare providers and researchers. Together, we can transform the lives of millions living with Crohns’ and other gastroenterology conditions such as IBS, Fatty Liver Disase, GERD and more.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns you may have regarding your individual health.

About Lynx.MD

Lynx.MD offers a secure, SaaS medical intelligence platform for sharing real-world clinical data, accelerating research and development, and providing transformative analytics. With the Lynx Trusted Data Environment (TDE), organizations can collaborate with internal and external developers, data scientists, and researchers to build the next generation of data-informed applications, therapies and care options.

Media Alert: Lynx.MD Leveraged for Study on Infliximab Optimization for IBD to be Presented at Crohn’s & Colitis Congress

Study real-world outcomes of IBD infliximab patients with the Anser TDM Test: Presentation by Prometheus using the Lynx GI data library

Lynx.MD, a provider of a comprehensive medical data intelligence platform, is honored to support our partner, Andrew Shim, Medical Affairs, Prometheus Laboratories Inc, poster presentation at the upcoming Crohn’s & Colitis Congress 2024 demonstrating the potential of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) to positively impact patient outcomes with infliximab dose optimization.

Poster Session:  Comparing Real-World Outcomes… Using TDM vs. Unoptimized Control Group 

Presenter:  Dr. Andrew Shim, Prometheus Laboratories Inc., University of Minnesota

When:  Friday, January 26th, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Pacific

Venue:  Bellagio, Las Vegas

Key points of interest:

  • Large-scale study conducted in real-world community-based practices.
  • TDM-guided infliximab optimization linked to reduced rates of IBD-related surgery compared to standard dosing.
  • Findings add to growing evidence supporting personalized, TDM-driven treatment for improved outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.

This study was made possible through a powerful collaboration between Prometheus Laboratories Inc. and Lynx.MD, a leading real-world medical data platform. Leveraging Lynx.MD‘s rich repository of de-identified clinical data within the Lynx.MD Trusted Data Environment, Prometheus researchers gained unparalleled access to real-world treatment patterns and outcomes in a diverse patient population. This unique partnership exemplifies the power of data-driven research in advancing personalized medicine and ultimately improving patient lives.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about this potentially transformative approach to IBD care at the Crohn’s & Colitis Congress. Attend Dr. Shim’s presentation to discover how data-driven insights can inform IBD treatments.

Additional Information:

#CCCongress24

About Lynx.MD

Lynx.MD offers a secure, SaaS medical intelligence platform for sharing real-world clinical data, accelerating research and development, and providing transformative analytics. With the Lynx Trusted Data Environment (TDE), organizations can collaborate with internal and external developers, data scientists, and researchers to build the next generation of data-informed applications, therapies and care options.

Celebrating Growth and Embracing the Future

A letter from our founders

As we approach the end of the year, it is a time for reflection, gratitude, and hopefulness. Despite the ongoing challenges and uncertainties in the world, we at Lynx.MD have much to be thankful for.

This year has been marked by growth, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to our values. We have expanded our reach, strengthened our partnerships, and made significant strides in innovation. (And, even had some fun along the way.) We are proud to share some of our more significant milestones from 2023.  

Business 

  • Achieved 3.7x year over year growth in available data
  • Welcomed 8 talented individuals to our team
  • Redesigned the Lynx.MD platform interface
  • Achieved SOC 2 Compliance

Product Advancement

At Lynx, we continuously enhance our platform based on valuable user feedback. In 2023, we introduced the ability to share dashboards, empowering users to collaborate seamlessly and derive insights from structured data visualizations across the organization while ensuring data security. Additionally, we’ve enhanced custom study environments for a more flexible remote machine experience.

Partnerships, Media and More

In 2023 Lynx.MD shared big customer news and industry insights. Both Ofir and Omer contributed articles to MedCity News. In May, Omer was interviewed for The Scope Forward podcast, one of the leading podcasts for Gastroenterology business leaders. 

Lynx.MD and Baptist Health Innovations Collaborate to Advance Medical Research and Development

Lynx.MD announced it is collaborating with Baptist Health Innovations at Baptist Health South Florida by establishing a secure framework to share clinical data that will catalyze medical research and development. The collaboration begins with the Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute. Its robust cardiovascular clinical and imaging data will be followed by Miami Cancer Institute, Miami Neuroscience Institute, and Baptist Health Orthopedic Care. This collaboration will provide academic and industry researchers with privacy-preserved real-world clinical data to develop, test and validate data-driven solutions that have the potential to revolutionize patient care.

Lynx.MD Partners with Prometheus Labs and Gastro Health to Leverage Medical Data Intelligence Platform for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research

Lynx.MD announced our new partnership with Prometheus Laboratories Inc. and Gastro Health to securely unite real-world clinical data for retrospective analysis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) biologic treatment. The partnership brings together 10-years of de-identified IBD clinical laboratory data and patient data, using the Lynx Trusted Data Environment, to research and demonstrate the value of the Prometheus Anser® IFX therapeutic drug monitoring test to improve patient clinical outcomes and reduce overall healthcare costs in IBD patient management.

It’s Time for Healthcare Orgs to Get Serious About Data Governance

Ofir Farchy contributed an insightful article to MedCity News underscoring the importance in data governance. Instead of pushing data out into the world, it’s possible to invite selected partners into trusted data environments where they can safely harness your data — without ever directly viewing your datasets. Though not designed for clinical care functions, having records safely sequestered in a trusted data environment can help organizations to restore compromised data systems more rapidly.

Data as a New GI Ancillary

Omer Dror joined Praveen Suthrum of The Scope Forward Show for an enlightening discussion about the value locked away in gastroenterology data.  Data holds the key to improving operations for long-term healthcare industry viability and improving care for all people. Unlocking the insights hidden in large data sets will help GI providers improve the quality of care, reduce variability in care, and lead to better outcomes.

Just For Fun

  • Maya Harel said “I do” with the entire Lynx.MD office there to celebrate. 💍
  • Volunteering – because when life gives you lettuce, you pack it. 🍃
  • Group Culinary tour at Shouk HaCarmel 👨‍🍳
  • 500+ Daily Coffee Runs for the Palo Alto team. ☕

Cheers to 2023

Please reach out to us if you would like to learn more about our growth in 2023. We look forward to exploring new opportunities and data in 2024.

Thank you.

Omer, Rob, Ofir, and the entire Lynx.MD Family

About Lynx.MD

Lynx.MD offers a secure, SaaS medical intelligence platform for sharing real-world clinical data, accelerating research and development, and providing transformative analytics. With the Lynx Trusted Data Environment (TDE), organizations can collaborate with internal and external developers, data scientists, and researchers to build the next generation of data-informed applications, therapies and care options.

Do Good With Data: Responsible Data Sharing

In my role as VP of marketing at Lynx.MD I recently interviewed a partner about why they believe that securely sharing clinical data is the future to better healthcare for all. For the client and their peers, it came down to a very simple principle: “Do Good WIth Data.” Embrace safe, secure, and responsible data sharing to transform healthcare for patients and providers.

Unlocking Insights for Advancements:

The seamless integration of structured and unstructured datasets, coupled with advanced AI and NLP technologies, enables us to extract meaningful insights that were once elusive. According to the NIH, the responsible sharing of healthcare data has accelerated the pace of research, leading to groundbreaking discoveries and advancements.

Fostering Inclusivity Through Data Sharing:

Responsible data sharing in healthcare can empower researchers with a wider range of data to identify and address health disparities, leading to more effective interventions and improved health outcomes for underserved communities. By fostering a collaborative approach to data collection and analysis, healthcare providers can gain a deeper understanding of the unique needs of diverse populations and develop personalized treatment plans that promote inclusivity and equitable access to quality care.

Collaboration Across the Healthcare Ecosystem:

Our partnerships with the entire healthcare ecosystem, including providers, researchers in life science, biopharma, and medtech, exemplify the collaborative spirit that responsible data sharing fosters. Collaborations have not only streamlined operational efficiencies but also facilitated cross-disciplinary approaches to complex healthcare challenges.

Balancing Security and Innovation:

Ensuring the security and privacy of healthcare data is paramount. Striking a delicate balance between safeguarding sensitive information and fostering innovation is a challenge that the industry continues to address. Robust encryption protocols, data anonymization techniques, and stringent access controls are integral components of responsible data-sharing practices. We can not underscore enough the importance of these measures in safeguarding patient confidentiality.

Ethics in Data Utilization:

Responsible data sharing goes hand in hand with ethical considerations. Upholding ethical standards in the utilization of healthcare data is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative. Researchers, providers, and industry stakeholders must adhere to stringent ethical guidelines to ensure that data usage aligns with patient welfare, organizational values, and societal values.

The Impact on Operational Efficiencies:

Beyond research, the ripple effects of responsible data sharing are felt in operational efficiencies across the healthcare spectrum. Real-time data analytics and predictive modeling, empowered by AI and ML, play a pivotal role in optimizing resource allocation, curbing costs, and elevating patient outcomes. Healthcare organizations are now realizing the transformative impact of AI and ML, recognizing their role in driving data-driven operational enhancements for sustained success.

Do Good With Data

It was an “AHA moment” when the client shared their “Do Good With Data” mantra that so succinctly underscores the transformative potential of responsible data sharing in healthcare. It is a guiding principle that propels healthcare research and operational efficiencies forward. As the custodians of vast datasets, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to responsible data sharing, ensuring that its benefits are harnessed for the greater good of all stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem.

About Lynx.MD

Lynx.MD offers a secure, SaaS medical intelligence platform for sharing real-world clinical data, accelerating research and development, and providing transformative analytics. With the Lynx Trusted Data Environment (TDE), organizations can collaborate with internal and external developers, data scientists, and researchers to build the next generation of data-informed applications, therapies and care options.

Digital Natives: Comfortable Sharing Clinical Data for Research and Development

The digital native generation, millennials and beyond, is the first generation to grow up with the internet and digital technology in the palm of their hand. They are comfortable using technology to communicate, learn, and access information. This comfort with technology extends to the healthcare sphere.

A 2023 study published in the journal Nature Medicinefound that digital natives are more likely than older generations to be comfortable sharing their clinical data for research and development. The study found that 62% of digital natives were willing to share their data, compared to only 38% of non-digital natives.

There are a few reasons why digital natives are more comfortable sharing their clinical data. First, they are more likely to trust technology companies and healthcare organizations. Second, they are more likely to understand the benefits of sharing their data for research and development. Third, they are more likely to believe that their data will be used responsibly.

The Benefits of Sharing Clinical Data

Sharing clinical data for research and development can have several benefits. For example, it can help researchers develop new treatments and cures for diseases. It can also help researchers to better understand how diseases work and how to prevent them.

In addition, sharing clinical data can help to improve the quality of healthcare. For example, researchers can use clinical data to develop new diagnostic tools and to identify patients who are at risk of developing certain diseases.

How Digital Natives Are Sharing Their Clinical Data

Digital natives are embracing their role as active participants in the healthcare data revolution, eagerly sharing their clinical information through various digital channels. A prime example is their adoption of health apps, websites and wearables that enable them to monitor and track their health data, actively sharing it with researchers to advance medical understanding. Additionally, they elect to engage in clinical trials that leverage digital technology to collect and share data, contributing to the development of innovative treatments and therapies.

Digital natives are also more receptive to the passive sharing of their data, particularly when they are assured that it will be de-identified and randomized before being utilized for research purposes. This includes the aggregation of their data for research into various healthcare domains, encompassing holistic health and traditional health disciplines. By actively and passively sharing their clinical data, digital natives are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare research and innovation.

Ensure that Clinical Data is Shared Responsibly

It is important to ensure that clinical data is shared responsibly. This means that healthcare organizations and technology companies should have clear policies in place to protect the privacy and security of the data. And, PHI should never be shared without the express written consent of the patient.

In addition, it is important to give patients control over their data. Patients should be able to choose whether or not to share their data and who they share it with. Most healthcare organizations that participate in academic and third-party research already have patients acknowledge and agree to this kind of passive research participation. To ensure the individual maintains control, healthcare organizations should provide a very easy-to-understand Opt-In / Opt-Out option when people are making appointments or otherwise engaging in care.

The Future of Clinical Data Sharing

As the digital native generation becomes the primary users of healthcare service, as that population exceeds boomers and earlier generations, we can expect to see more and more people sharing their clinical data for research and development. This will lead to a number of benefits, including the development of new treatments and cures for diseases, improved quality of healthcare, and a better understanding of how diseases work and how to prevent them.

HealthTech’s Responsibility

Digital natives are comfortable sharing their clinical data for research and development as long as it is for the greater good. There are a number of benefits to sharing clinical data, including the development of new treatments and cures for diseases, improved quality of healthcare, and a better understanding of how diseases work and how to prevent them.

It is important to ensure that clinical data is shared responsibly. This means that healthcare organizations and technology companies should have clear policies in place to protect the privacy and security of the data. In addition, it is important to give patients control over their data.

As digital natives come of age and become the primary users of healthcare services, we can expect to see more and more people sharing their clinical data for research and development. This will lead to benefits for everyone.

Here are some additional thoughts on how to make clinical data sharing more comfortable for digital natives:

  • Transparency: Digital natives want to know how their data will be used and who will have access to it. Healthcare organizations and technology companies should be transparent about their data-sharing practices.
  • Control: Digital natives want to have control over their data. They should be able to choose whether or not to share their data, even if it is in the form of a generic Opt-in / Opt-Out consent acknowledgment with their provider organization.
  • Benefit: Digital natives want to know that their data is being used for a good cause. Healthcare organizations and technology companies should explain how sharing data will benefit patients and the public.

By following these guidelines, healthcare organizations and technology companies can make clinical data sharing more comfortable for digital natives and reap the benefits of this data for research and development.

Healthcare Providers, MedTech, and Life Science companies can learn more about how Lynx.MD is helping organizations securely optimize the knowledge to be found in real-world clinical data. 

About Lynx.MD

Lynx.MD offers a secure, SaaS medical intelligence platform for sharing real-world clinical data, accelerating research and development, and providing transformative analytics. With the Lynx Trusted Data Environment (TDE), organizations can collaborate with internal and external developers, data scientists, and researchers to build the next generation of data-informed applications, therapies and care options.

Solve for Privacy to Bring the Big Data Revolution to Healthcare Research

Industry Brief

November 2023

Balancing Data Utility and Patient Privacy in Healthcare Research

The healthcare industry generates vast amounts of data, yet leveraging it effectively while safeguarding patient privacy remains a challenge. New data-driven technologies promise to make healthcare processes more efficient and more scalable, while also unlocking new treatments and medical technologies to improve patient care.

The Data Privacy Dilemma

Healthcare organizations often face a tradeoff between maximizing data utility and ensuring patient privacy. Restricting data access limits innovation, while unfettered access risks data breaches. The key is to find a way to provide access to real medical data in a streamlined and scalable manner without compromising privacy or security.

Secure Data Ecosystems

New technologies are emerging to address the challenge of data privacy in healthcare research. These technologies provide secure access to data while maintaining control over sensitive information. They enable researchers to analyze data without directly accessing it or removing it from its secure environment.

Gradated Access for Controlled Data Sharing

Graded access models allow healthcare organizations to share data with researchers while maintaining control over who can access what data. This ensures that sensitive information is only shared with authorized individuals and for approved purposes.

Preserving Privacy with De-Identification and Differential Privacy

De-identification techniques and differential privacy can be used to anonymize data and prevent re-identification. Differential privacy adds noise to aggregate data, ensuring that individual patient information cannot be inferred.

Unlocking the Power of Data

By balancing data utility and patient privacy, healthcare organizations can unlock the power of their clinical data to improve patient care and advance healthcare research. These new technologies and techniques are paving the way for a new era of data-driven healthcare innovation.

Learn More

At Lynx, we are committed to ensuring the highest level of security and privacy for patient data, while still making it accessible for valuable research insights. Our innovative processes and protocols provide the means to advance medical knowledge without compromising sensitive data.

Contact us today to learn how Lynx can help you unlock the full potential of your clinical data securely.

To delve deeper into our revolutionary approach, download the full white paper.

About Lynx.MD

Lynx.MD offers a secure, SaaS medical intelligence platform for sharing real-world clinical data, accelerating research and development, and providing transformative analytics. With the Lynx Trusted Data Environment (TDE), organizations can collaborate with internal and external developers, data scientists, and researchers to build the next generation of data-informed applications, therapies and care options.

Millennium Alliance Podcast: Advancing Healthcare through Secure Data Collaboration

Omer Dror, CEO and co-founder of Lynx.MD was recently interviewed by Conor Tuohy for the Millennium Alliance Live podcast. The conversation explores the history of Lynx.MD, the company vision, and the importance of data collaboration in healthcare and research. In a world rich with healthcare data, the potential to transform patient care and save lives is within our reach. However, accessing and harnessing the insights buried in notes and siloed data repositories is a monumental challenge. Lynx.MD, an AI-powered medical data intelligence platform, is on a mission to unlock the untapped potential of real-world data by providing a secure and self-service analytics platform. 

  1. Can you tell us about your company’s mission? Lynx.MD’s mission is to bridge the gap between real-world patient data and transformative research, enabling diagnostic and therapeutic solutions that improve patient outcomes. The healthcare industry has amassed an immense amount of data that, if accessible, could revolutionize care and save lives. Real-world data holds tremendous potential—from detecting diagnostic risk factors in medical images to repurposing drugs, designing clinical trials, and conducting population-level analyses. However, to fully leverage this potential, effective collaboration within the healthcare ecosystem is crucial. Lynx.MD aims to provide a secure and safe platform that facilitates the sharing of sensitive data without compromising patient confidentiality or breaching data security regulations.
  2. How does Lynx work with healthcare providers, researchers, and other stakeholders to promote data collaboration? Lynx.MD brings together healthcare providers, researchers, academics, and MedTech organizations to foster collaboration with real-world clinical data. One of the biggest barriers to collaboration is inertia—aggregating data from disparate sources and managing access requests is not a top priority for most healthcare organizations. Meanwhile, researchers and academics require real-world data to test hypotheses, understand treatment effectiveness, patient outcomes, and advance personalized medicine. To address these challenges, Lynx.MD has developed a secure data exchange platform that connects healthcare providers, industry researchers, academics, and MedTech organizations. The platform enables the safe and secure sharing of de-identified clinical data, empowering transformative analytics and accelerating research and development.
  3. Why is data sharing so important in healthcare, research, and development, and what problem are you solving? Data sharing and collaboration are crucial for improving patient care. It accelerates scientific discoveries, enhances reproducibility, promotes innovation, shortens time to market, improves patient outcomes, optimizes resource allocation, and addresses public health challenges. The rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines exemplifies the power of data sharing enabled by platforms like the UK’s NHS Data sharing platform or Israel’s centralized healthcare data repository. These countries contributed de-identified data from millions of individuals, enabling pharmaceutical companies to test hypotheses and track efficacy in real time. Lynx.MD aims to provide healthcare providers with a similar platform to safely and securely share data, enabling research and development that can improve care and outcomes. 
  4. What sets the Lynx.MD platform apart from other solutions in the industry? The Lynx.MD platform stands out by bringing both sides of the data ecosystem together for collaboration. Healthcare organizations trust Lynx.MD to connect and collate their data from various sources into a secure Trusted Data Environment. This environment allows them to use the data for internal analysis and research or selectively share it with third parties for further advancements. Importantly, the data never leaves the provider’s secure environment, ensuring control and compliance. Additionally, MedTech, biopharma, and life science companies can significantly reduce the time to access real-world clinical data by partnering with Lynx.MD, leveraging the data aggregated from healthcare partners. Previously, these organizations would have had to navigate individual contracts with each provider, a process that could.

Thank you to the Millennium Alliance for hosting Lynx.MD. We appreciate the opportunity to engage in discussions about the challenges and opportunities presented by the vast amount of healthcare data, which unfortunately remains inaccessible and confined within siloed data structures. Approximately 97% of this valuable data is currently locked away, hindering its utilization. Organizations like the Millennium Alliance play a vital role in advancing new technologies and initiatives, bringing them to the forefront of the healthcare industry.

Watch the full podcast.

About Lynx.MD

Lynx.MD offers a secure, SaaS medical intelligence platform for sharing real-world clinical data, accelerating research and development, and providing transformative analytics. With the Lynx Trusted Data Environment (TDE), organizations can collaborate with internal and external developers, data scientists, and researchers to build the next generation of data-informed applications, therapies and care options.