European health data space – Easier access to health data for researchers
The European Commission recently launched the European Health Data Space (EHDS), one of the central building blocks of a strong European Health Union, and the first proposal of such domain-specific common European data spaces, aiming to address health-specific challenges to electronic health data access and sharing – one of the priorities of the European Commission in the area of health.
Next to creating a common space where natural persons can easily control their electronic health data, the EHDS will also make it possible for researchers, innovators and policy makers to use this electronic health data in a trusted and secure way that preserves privacy. The health sector generates huge amounts of data, but strict privacy rules mean only a fraction is reused for research. The new framework, which ensures the data are safe while enabling cross-border sharing, aims to overcome this issue.
“The European Health Data Space will be a ‘new beginning’ for the EU’s digital health policy, making health data work for citizens and science”, said Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President of the European Commission.
Digitalisation is essential for the future of healthcare, as the digital transformation is crucial to provide better healthcare to citizens, and to build stronger and more resilient health systems. Nurse researchers have a key role to play in this process. Take the lead on this change!
