Big Data in Nursing Research

With advances in technologies, nurse scientists are increasingly generating and using large and complex datasets, sometimes called “Big Data,” to promote and improve the health of individuals, families, and communities. In recent years, the National Institutes of Health have placed a great emphasis on enhancing and integrating the data sciences into the health research enterprise.  New strategies for collecting and analysing large data sets will allow us to better understand the biological, genetic, and behavioural underpinnings of health, and to improve the way we prevent and manage illness.