New technology increases the amount of information to be analysed

New technologies such as genetic and genomic sequencing and screening lead to vast amounts of data produced. This needs to be interpreted and analysed and can be costly to manage and govern.

New technologies, especially in the field of genetics, create vast amount of data. This creates a number of “big data” ideas – specifically around how and where to store the information. Collection, management and governance of this information could be very costly. Data also raises a number of ethical questions around who owns and has access to this data, and what is should be used for.

If these technologies become widely used, it could increase demand for healthcare scientists who are able to analyse and interpret the data. Supply may also increase as science graduates are attracted by the opportunity to work with “state-of-the-art technologies”. These technologies could also change the role of healthcare scientists. For example, bioinformatics is likely to become a much more important part of the job. However, this trend could easily be reversed it increased automation makes healthcare scientists feel like they are “knowledge managers” rather than being involved with a scientific method on the ground, which could reduce people’s interest in the profession and decrease supply.

Sources or references

• CfWI Health care scientist scenario generation workshop.

Some of the information in this section is provided by stakeholders and expert groups, and does not necessarily represent the views of the CfWI.