Published On: 10/24/2024

Transforming Healthcare Through Data: Ewa J. Kleczyk on Precision Medicine, Diversity, and AI Challenges

In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, data analytics increasingly shapes how, when, and why patients receive care.

Ewa J. Kleczyk, PhD, Senior Vice President of Commercial Analytics and Data Curation at Target RWE, recently shared her insights on these crucial developments as a speaker at Corinium’s CDAO Chicago conference.

In this exclusive interview, Dr. Kleczyk delves into the profound impact that data analytics will have on the average person's healthcare experience, the critical need for diverse representation in the data and analytics industry, and the challenges that the industry will face in the coming year.

How do you anticipate the average person will begin to see the impact of data analytics in healthcare?

Ewa: Firstly, precision medicine is becoming increasingly important. We're seeing a shift towards more individualized treatment approaches based on patient-specific biomarkers and genetic testing, which is particularly prominent in oncology and also extends to autoimmune and liver diseases. This tailored approach is set to significantly improve how patients are treated across the healthcare spectrum, optimizing outcomes based on precise diagnostic processes.

Secondly, the sheer volume of data now available, which combines medical records with claims records and data from personal devices, provides a comprehensive 360-degree view of a patient. This integration helps identify care gaps and empowers patients to take an active role in managing their health outcomes by adhering to treatments and maintaining healthy lifestyles, including adequate rest, exercise, and nutrition.

Lastly, the trend toward greater transparency within healthcare systems is crucial. Patients can increasingly access data to understand hospital outcomes, ER visit frequencies, and treatment efficacy. This transparency not only assists healthcare and pharmaceutical industries in enhancing service and product offerings but also empowers patients to make informed decisions about where to receive care, which hospital offers the best practices, and which physicians are leading in their fields. This level of insight is transforming patient engagement in their healthcare journeys, making data analytics a pivotal element in improving healthcare delivery and outcomes

What actions can leaders in data and analytics take today to nurture talent in data and analytics from underrepresented groups?

Ewa: Fostering diversity and inclusivity in leadership is a passion of mine. It starts with a commitment from the top—CEOs and other senior leaders must be dedicated to this mission. Without opportunities, progress is impossible. The first step is mentorship. We need to mentor individuals broadly, including men, women, and members of various marginalized and minority groups, bringing them into the fold.

There are many capable individuals who simply lack the opportunity to connect with those who can help advance their careers. It's crucial to "leave the ladder down," so to speak, to help others climb up with us. This is especially important for women, who may feel that reaching the top means enduring significant sacrifices. However, the goal isn't just to be the sole woman in the boardroom; it's to change the dynamic entirely.

Women, and indeed all of us, need to remember our struggles and help others who might not have the same opportunities. Embracing diversity—of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds—changes the industry and spurs innovation. But beyond that, it's about building a legacy that extends beyond ourselves. This involves guiding talented individuals who will eventually succeed us, allowing us to take on new challenges, whether that's community service or serving on boards of nonprofit organizations.

For male leaders, I often say: think about your daughters. You want them to succeed, and that desire should extend to all young people, including those from minority and LGBTQ+ communities. Bring them along on this journey.

Moreover, considering diversity in clinical settings is crucial. Currently, data often skews towards those with commercial insurance from more affluent, predominantly white areas. We need to ensure that clinical trials are representative of all populations to determine the effectiveness of treatments across different demographics. Diseases that disproportionately affect minority groups, like certain conditions prevalent among African Americans and Asian Americans, require that these groups be adequately represented in clinical trials. This isn't just a matter of fairness; it's essential for the effectiveness of medical treatments.

It's incumbent upon all of us in the industry to enhance diversity in clinical trials and ensure comprehensive representation. This helps us understand how treatments vary across different races, regions, genders, and socioeconomic statuses, especially as it pertains to access to care for less affluent or educated communities.

Looking ahead to the next 12 months, what key challenges do you foresee for leaders in data and analytics roles?

Ewa: One of the primary challenges will be greater accountability. As leaders, we must hold ourselves accountable and ensure that our stakeholders do the same. Leadership isn't merely about occupying a top position and earning a substantial salary; it's fundamentally a service—to our investors, our clients, and our employees. It's our duty to train and develop our team members diligently.

Another significant challenge is the rapid advancement of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, which is already highly prevalent in healthcare analytics. Unlike other sectors, healthcare deals directly with human lives, adding a layer of complexity and responsibility. It's crucial to develop explainable AI models that can be understood and utilized effectively by physicians, analysts, policymakers, and other stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes for patients

In the next 12 months, as AI becomes even more integrated within the healthcare system, we'll see it used more extensively. This increase comes with heightened concerns around privacy, cybersecurity, and the ethical use of technology—recent incidents like the problematic Microsoft update underscore the potential risks. In healthcare, the stakes are exceptionally high; a technical failure can have far more severe consequences than inconveniences in other industries.

Therefore, we must be exceedingly careful and accountable in our use of powerful analytical tools. The data we generate and analyze every minute can significantly influence public and individual health outcomes. We need to ensure that our methodologies are not only effective but also secure and respectful of the privacy and well-being of all individuals involved.