IBM, Microsoft, Google, Verizon

IBM Project to Develop Computer Tools to Address Public Health

May 6, 2010

iHealthBeat.org - On Thursday, IBM officials announced a new multiyear research project that will analyze data that is already available to develop effective strategies in addressing various public health problems, Healthcare IT News reports (Manos, Healthcare IT News, 5/6).

According to the San Jose Mercury News, the project would develop advance computer modeling and statistical tools that could help health care providers and government policy experts discover ways to address public health problems such as childhood obesity. The project will involve a team of researchers at IBM's Almaden Research Center in San Jose, Calif., with varied expertise in mathematics, engineering and cognitive science.

The team's first area of focus will be childhood obesity, which also is the focus of a new White House initiative being led by first lady Michelle Obama (Bailey, San Jose Mercury News, 5/5).

Paul Maglio, an IBM researcher, said, "In many cases, the data and models exist. They just need to be put together in a consumable way that shows the wider connections and potential actions that can enhance individual and community health" (Healthcare IT News, 5/6).

In a statement, IBM officials also said they hope the new project also could help determine the efficacy of food labeling or financial incentives for retailers to establish grocery stores near public transit stops (San Jose Mercury News, 5/5).