One of the key takeaways from the RCPA – Pathology Update 2025 was the growing role of big data in shaping personalised medicine. Sector Manager Andrew Griffin and Deputy Sector Manager Gillian Treloar of NATA’s Legal & Clinical Services attended the event in Melbourne recently, where they explored how this shift has the potential to transform healthcare by moving away from a one-size-fits-all model towards individualised treatment plans.
The power of big data in healthcare
Big data in healthcare is about more than just collecting information; it’s about integrating multiple data sources to provide a holistic view of a patient’s health. Historically, data from pathology, radiology, patient vitals (such as temperature and blood pressure), and clinician medication histories were often isolated. Now, with advancements in electronic medical records (EMRs) and artificial intelligence-driven algorithms, we can connect these pieces of information to better inform clinical decisions.
For example:
- Radiology and pathology: A tumour detected in a radiology scan can be matched with biopsy results from pathology, helping doctors better understand its characteristics and how best to treat it.
- Vitals and medication history: Monitoring a patient’s temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure alongside their medication history can help detect early signs of adverse reactions or complications.
Real-time data and predictive analytics
With the ability to process vast amounts of real-time patient data, big data allows clinicians to:
- Monitor patient vitals continuously and compare them against historical data.
- Use AI-driven alerts to identify early warning signs of conditions such as sepsis or heart complications.
- Predict how patients will respond to treatments based on their genetic profile, medical history, and previous responses to therapies.
For example, in oncology, genetic sequencing can help doctors identify specific mutations in a tumour, allowing for targeted therapies that improve outcomes while minimising side effects. This level of personalisation is a significant step forward from traditional treatment approaches.
Reducing variability and improving patient outcomes
One of the biggest challenges in healthcare is the variability in care—different hospitals and clinicians may approach the same condition in different ways, leading to inconsistent patient outcomes. Big data is helping to standardise best practices by providing evidence-based guidelines, ensuring that the most effective treatments are applied based on real-world data and clinical trials.
Managing chronic diseases and long-term monitoring
Beyond acute care, big data is also playing a critical role in managing chronic diseases. Patients with conditions like diabetes or hypertension can benefit from wearable devices that provide continuous monitoring of key health indicators, sending real-time data to healthcare providers. This proactive approach allows for early intervention and prevents medical crises before they occur.
Ethical considerations and data security
As with any data-driven approach, there are significant ethical and privacy concerns. Healthcare organisations must ensure that patient data is protected, anonymised where necessary, and used responsibly. Some key considerations include:
- Informed Consent – Patients should have control over how their data is used.
- Algorithmic Bias – Data models must be trained on diverse populations to ensure fair and effective recommendations.
- Transparency and Trust – Healthcare providers must be clear about how patient data is being used to inform treatment decisions.
The future of personalised medicine
The integration of big data into healthcare is revolutionising patient care by shifting the focus from reactive treatment to proactive, personalised medicine. This means:
- More precise treatments based on individual genetic and clinical profiles.
- Earlier detection of diseases through AI-driven data analysis.
- Better patient outcomes with treatments tailored to specific needs.
While there are challenges to overcome, the potential for big data to improve healthcare efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance patient well-being is immense. As technology continues to evolve, so too will our ability to deliver personalised, data-driven healthcare that meets the needs of each individual patient.