Navigating the Pharma Data Revolution

In this webinar, Phil Rust, Lead Enterprise Architect, Healthcare at NTT DATA UK and Harsh Gandhi, Chief Information and Digital Officer at AstraZeneca Japan discuss the key technical, operational and strategic benefits of RWE implementation and process optimization. Phil and Harsh delve into the role of system integrators, future trends for both technology and industry stakeholders, and the challenges and opportunities that face the industry.

Harsh Gandhi

Chief Information and Digital Officer at AstraZeneca Japan

The use of RWE is diverse, but the most anticipated application is in the undiagnosed areas, identifying populations and visualizing them. This aids in contemplating new products and adaptation methods.

Beyond identification, RWE is also seen as a tool for hypothesis generation and scenario simulation, enabling stakeholders to maximize impact from both patient and investor perspectives. In areas such as oncology, we also anticipate the combination of existing drugs to exhibit effectiveness in new tutor types. Moreover, RWE is valued for competitive analysis, informing decisions across product development and marketing strategies.

Even considering these factors, it is critical to consider how to use this data in an agile environment and how to fill the gap in effectively using RWE. In terms of data selection, blockchain can be used to enhance data transparency, and Generative AI deployed to create mechanisms to select only relevant data.

In terms of resources, there’s a persistent challenge of a skills gap in effectively utilizing RWE, particularly in less mature markets like Japan and Asia. Technology leaders have the responsibility to champion education and skills development in this area to build strong internal capabilities.

Phil Rust

Lead Enterprise Architect, Healthcare at NTT DATA UK

We see four key stakeholder relationships that we need to get right. Care providers, pharmaceutical and clinical research organizations, technology partners and public institutions all have a crucial role to play in scaling this kind of work.

On a broader level, cohesion and collaboration across stakeholders and industries is critical. By intersecting medical and non-medical data, organizations can gain a holistic understanding of health dynamics and make more informed decisions. Environmental data, such as weather patterns, is also proving invaluable in predicting and managing health threats like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and optimizing vaccine distribution.

To leverage this data effectively within an agile environment, there is great emphasis on data selection methodologies. Blockchain can enhance data transparency, and Generate AI provides an efficient mechanism for selecting relevant data efficiently and identifying key insights that can improve patient care. Existing healthcare accelerators and real-world data accelerators have an essential role in maximizing the benefits of these technologies.

Addressing governance concerns is paramount in fostering trust and enabling data sharing. The role of Chief Data Officers is increasingly important in promoting a culture of responsible data stewardship within organizations. Moreover, empowering individuals to take control of their healthcare through tools like health monitoring apps is seen as beneficial not only for population health but also for individual well-being. A comprehensive view of patient data, known as Patient 360, is crucial in regions where primary and secondary care data are fragmented. Establishing mechanisms to achieve Patient 360 across the healthcare industry and ecosystem is a priority.

Ultimately, the goal is not just about organizational viability but also about effectively responding to the evolving needs of patients and healthcare systems. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of having access to timely and comprehensive data to inform decision-making and shape the development of healthcare products and services.

Going forward, we anticipate rising demand in the sharing of large, anonymous, unstructured datasets to authorized sources, such as research organizations examining health records. Building federated data platforms to improve population health control will be on the government agenda.

The intersection of people, process and technology will be a critical investment area. Providers must invest in their people to close the skills gap, which requires a robust data and technology strategy. In turn, this must be backed by an investment strategy which may combine local and grant funding. Securing the right sponsorships is essential to achieving cross-functional collaboration.

For effective results in the long term, the time to build relationships and establish partnerships is now. Start small, demonstrate value, and leverage the right technologies to drive impact on this critical mission to improve global healthcare.