Aggregated data

Aggregate Data and Healthcare

Aggregate data is used to develop information about groups of patients. It allows healthcare professionals to to identify common characteristics that might predict the course of the disease or provide information about the most effective way to treat a disease. It is often used for disease prevention purposes. This can be done through patient interviews, research, and statistical data. Researchers could identity connections between lung cancer and smoking or diabetes and exercise through the use of aggregated data. It is a great way to educate patients and healthcare professionals on the statistical relationship of various healthcare conditions and patient lifestyle decisions. Public Health Aggregated data is an important part of public health. It provides researchers information that encourages patient safety, prevention and awareness. The impact of multiple environmental exposures within a given area is a good example of using aggregated data for public health awareness. Environmental exposures has various categories; chemical (contaminated water), radiation (x-rays), air pollutants (gas) and occupational hazards (lead). Assessing population exposure distribution allows researchers to define healthcare outcomes and quantify the association between exposure and response. It also verifies risk characterization which estimates the number of people affected, duration and severity of condition caused by the environmental agent. This information provides the public knowledge as well as safety tips for prevention.