Nordic Experts Gather in Tromsø to Shape Future Health Data Sharing

The Norwegian Centre for E-health Research has invited experts from Finland, Sweden, and Norway to Tromsø to explore the path toward implementing a common Nordic Health Data Space (NHDS) in the Arctic region. Together, they are discussing the future of sharing and using health data across national borders.

Participants and experts from Norway, Sweden, and Finland in the Nordic Health Data Space project are gathered in Tromsø to discuss the future of health data. (Photo: Jarls-Stian Olsen, Norwegian Centre for E-health Research)

Digital Transformation Requires Collaboration

The digital transformation of health and care services demands more than just technological solutions. Access to data, standardization, interoperability, sufficient data capacity, and supportive legislation are crucial.

"This is an exciting Nordic collaborative project, and it's important that we are ready for the introduction of a common European Health Data Space (EHDS). Although we in the Nordic countries have much in common, there are also some differences in the health sector. Therefore, I am glad that the project is now mapping how well we are prepared to ensure access to and exchange of health data across national borders," says Center Director Stein Olav Skrøvseth at the Norwegian Centre for E-health Research. (Photo: Jarl-Stian Olsen, Norwegian Centre for E-health Research)

Common European Health Data Space

In 2022, the EU Commission launched a legislative proposal for a common European Health Data Space (EHDS).

The EHDS is an ecosystem consisting of legislation, common standards, practices, infrastructures, and governance mechanisms.

The goal is to promote secure access to and exchange of health data across national borders, give citizens greater control over their own health data, and create a secure framework for the use of health data to improve health services, research, and innovation.

Preliminary research in the Nordic project shows that actors in Sweden and Finland have greater knowledge of the EHDS than those in Norway. This underscores the need for increased collaboration and knowledge sharing.

How Prepared Is the Arctic Region for EHDS?

A central question is how prepared are Northern Norway, Northern Sweden, and Northern Finland for the introduction of the EU's policy for sharing health data through the EHDS regulation?

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The gathering in Tromsø provides participants with an opportunity to assess regional readiness and identify necessary steps to adapt to the upcoming changes.

Sharing Health Data Across National Borders

The purpose of this Nordic project is to strengthen both local and regional collaboration on sharing health data across national borders. By increasing the capacity to utilize such data and minimizing barriers to sharing and reusing information, the aim is a more efficient and cohesive health service in the Nordic countries.

Indigenous Component

An important part of the project is to examine how familiar and prepared the innovation and research actors in the Sámi community in the Arctic region are for a future introduction of a common Nordic Health Data Space.

Although it has been challenging to find informants in Sweden and Finland, interviews conducted in Norway have provided valuable insights for both the Sámi community and Norwegian authorities.

The Road Ahead

The gathering in Tromsø marks a significant step toward closer Nordic collaboration on health data. Through joint efforts and sharing of expertise, the participants are working toward a future where health data can be effectively and safely shared and used across national borders for the benefit of citizens' health and welfare.