Big data seem to be all the rage in healthcare, but from the perspective of a frontline clinician, they miss the mark. The clinical enterprise is the realm of small data. That’s because small data are directly related to patient care.

Examples of small data include:
• Missed clinic appointments
• Allergic reactions to drugs
• Operating room turnover times
• Timeliness of blood cultures for septic patients
• Correct diagnosis of AHD in teenagers

Big data can’t tell you that Mrs. Jones was admitted to the ER twice last week, but small data can.

Small data reside in hospitals, clinics, and communities. The data are stored in electronic medical records (EMR), paper charts, and pharmacy systems. Fitness centers, restaurants, churches, and other venues are potential sources of small data.

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