Data Science and Healthcare

I recently went to a Data & Healthcare meetup to see how a renowned cancer research institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), applies and uses Data Science. One of the first uses they mentioned was predictive modeling for post-hospital care. Whether it is from being discharged after an acute condition that required a hospital stay or perhaps going home after a chemotherapy treatment, MSK made it clear that their treatment does not end just because you left their premises. MSK collects data that tracks how often a patient may call, the reason for their call, and the outcome -- whether it is to come into the hospital for immediate care or otherwise. With this data, they can use predictive modeling to assess the needs and interventions a patient may need in the future. Data Science and machine learning can also be used to help predict pain crises.