Real-world data, machine learning, and the reemergence of humanism

As we relentlessly enter information into our EHRs, we typically perceive that we are just recording information about our patients to provide continuity of care and have an accurate representation of what was done. While that is true, the information we record is now increasingly being examined for many additional purposes. A whole new area of study has emerged over the last few years known as "real-world data," and innovators are beginning to explore how machine learning (currently employed in other areas by such companies as Amazon and Google) may be used to improve the care of patients. The information we are putting into our EHRs is being translated into discrete data and is then combined with data from labs, pharmacies, and claims databases to examine how medications actually work when used in the wide and wild world of practice. Let's first talk about why real-world data are important.