PATH, an international non-profit organization that seeks to improve public health, organized a webinar about the importance of Data Science in the health sector.
Health Data Science Exchange: A concept to accelerate the use of Data Science for global equity in health, was the main topic of the virtual meeting. The meeting was moderated by Skye Gilbert, Executive Director of PATH, and included the participation of Manisha Bhinge, a representative of the Rockefeller Foundation, Karin Kallander, a UNICEF health specialist, and Virginia Simushi, a representative of Zambia’s Ministry of Health.
In her speech, Bhinge explained the three phases of Data Science and what each one consists of:
- Phase 1: Data capture assets : As are the data entry tools, interface and design tools, data standards and models and cloud technology. Within this phase is the design and production of data, location and data capture for subsequent validation.
- Phase 2: Data transormation assets: Involving algorithms, wireframes, predictive models and tools for data management. This stage includes data aggregation, data processing and analysis, and information exploration.
- Phase 3: Data for impact assets: Dashboards, event-based alerts, privacy and data security. In the last phase, the dissemination of data is carried out, the use of data is determined, the evaluation and monitoring of data is carried out, as well as changes in policies and behavior change.
A Health Data Science Exchange (HDSE) is a space in which data assets are made available to interested parties. Tool sharing accelerates the appropriate use of health data science tools in health systems.
An HDSE would be a virtual, interactive space to coordinate and align health and technology users to support the appropriate scale and use of data science assets through the data life cycle. It will house the tools, resources, approaches, and technologies that support data use and adaptive management in the service of health goals.
HDSE have been carried out by government officials, researchers, civil society organizations, the private sector, and investors.
In addition to the meeting in which each representative of their organization or country shared their experiences with the management of data science in health, PATH and Digital Square one of its divisions published the document A Health Data Science Exchange that provides more information on this topic.
