The Potentials of Big Data in Achieving Universal Health Coverage in Iran

Meysam Behzadifar; Masoud Behzadifar; Seyed Jafar Ehsanzadeh; Nicola Luigi Bragazzi

doi:10.18502/htaa.v6i4.12823

Meysam Behzadifar Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
Masoud Behzadifar Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
Seyed Jafar Ehsanzadeh English Language Department, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Nicola Luigi Bragazzi Human Nutrition Unit, Department of Food and Drugs, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/htaa.v6i4.12823

Keywords: Big Data; Equity; Universal Health Coverage; Iran; Health Policy

Abstract

Big data refers to large and complex data sets that cannot be easily processed, managed, or analyzed using traditional data processing tools and techniques. The role of big data in health encompasses a wide range of applications that leverage large and complex data sets to improve health outcomes and healthcare delivery. The goal of universal health coverage (UHC) is to ensure that everyone has access to the health services they need when and where they need them, without financial barriers or catastrophic health expenditures that can lead to poverty. Big data in Iran’s health system has the potential to significantly improve healthcare delivery, enhance patient outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs. Moreover, big data can assist in ongoing monitoring and evaluating the progress toward achieving UHC goals in Iran.