European Health Data Space

What is EHDS?

The European Health Data Space (EHDS) is a transformative digital health initiative developed by the European Union. It encompasses a comprehensive framework of regulations, digital infrastructure, technical standards, best practices, and oversight mechanisms aimed at reshaping healthcare data management across Europe.

Primary goals of the EHDS

The EHDS is designed to:

• Grant individuals greater access to and control over their electronic health records, both within their home country and throughout the EU.
• Facilitate the creation of a unified market for digital health tools, including electronic health records (EHRs), sophisticated medical equipment, and regulated AI technologies.
• Offer a secure, standardised environment for leveraging health data in scientific research, innovation, policy development, and regulatory oversight.

This initiative supports the broader objectives of the European Health Union and builds upon existing frameworks like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the NIS 2 Directive for cybersecurity.

How is EHDS used?

EHDS enables seamless health data sharing among healthcare professionals across EU member states to improve patient outcomes. Additionally, it allows researchers and innovators to access anonymised or pseudonymised data for scientific purposes, all while upholding stringent data privacy protocols.

Who benefits from the EHDS?

The EHDS brings benefits to a wide range of users:

• Healthcare providers and professionals can view up-to-date patient information instantly, improving diagnosis and treatment.
• Patients gain the advantage of their medical history being accessible across EU nations, ensuring quality care even while travelling.
• Researchers receive access to extensive, ethically managed datasets that can drive medical breakthroughs.
• Healthcare institutions can better collaborate and share data efficiently across borders.
• Health tech industries benefit from a harmonised market for developing innovative solutions.
• Policy-makers and regulatory bodies can make informed decisions using accurate and comprehensive health data.

How does EHDS work?

The EHDS works via a network of interconnected systems that communicate with each other. As it is a decentralised system, there isn’t one single repository where all the data is stored. This type of framework encourages interoperability as it ensures that health-related data can be passed between different countries securely. It effectively creates a secure digital environment where healthcare data can be shared for various reasons and purposes without compromising individual rights.

Building a unified European health approach

The EU is working toward a resilient health union that ensures countries are well-equipped to manage health emergencies, have access to essential medical products, and cooperate on public health strategies. This vision is aided by the EHDS, which plays a vital role in promoting cross-border collaboration, enhancing preventative care, and improving overall treatment effectiveness. The COVID-19 crisis underscored the necessity for such a coordinated approach to protecting public health throughout Europe.