How can big data analytics be used for healthcare organization management? Literary framework and future research from a systematic review

Abstract

Abstract Background Multiple attempts aimed at highlighting the relationship between big data analytics and benefits for healthcare organizations have been raised in the literature. The big data impact on health organization management is still not clear due to the relationship’s multi-disciplinary nature. This study aims to answer three research questions: a) What is the state of art of big data analytics adopted by healthcare organizations? b) What about the benefits for both health managers and healthcare organizations? c) What about future directions on big data analytics research in healthcare? Methods Through a systematic literature review the impact of big data analytics on healthcare management has been examined. The study aims to map extant literature and present a framework for future scholars to further build on, and executives to be guided by. Results The positive relationship between big data analytics and healthcare organization management has emerged. To find out common elements in the studies reviewed, 16 studies have been selected and clustered into 4 research areas: 1) Potentialities of big data analytics. 2) Resource management. 3) Big data analytics and management of health surveillance systems. 4) Big data analytics and technology for healthcare organization. Conclusions In conclusion is identified how the big data analytics solutions are considered a milestone for managerial studies applied to healthcare organizations, although scientific research needs to investigate standardization and integration of the devices as well as the protocol in data analysis to improve the performance of the healthcare organization.