Abstract

The role and responsibility of governance in healthcare systems is at the pinnacle of effective functioning of healthcare delivery. The function serves to set the vision, mission and strategic orientation for the organization. Governance bodies interpret and apply the overarching legal and regulatory frameworks as well as the accreditation standards for planning and delivery of healthcare in the service of citizens and patients. Governing bodies provide the accountability, control and risk management surrounding the health care delivery enterprise. The possibility of big data holds great promise for enabling governing boards to carry out their roles and responsibilities more effectively. At the same time the lack of infrastructure, competence, and capability in the use of big data can create great peril for negative consequences if a critical approach to the application of big data is not undertaken. The chapter outlines the primary responsibilities governing bodies must fulfill in respect to meeting their citizens and patient’s health care needs. The chapter also identifies and addresses the opportunities and challenges big data raises for the themes of population health, continuity of service, appropriateness, efficiency, worklife, safety, accessibility and client-centred services. Observations and recommendations for dealing with the challenges of big data are made.