One step closer to a new framework for evaluating digital health technology in Europe
Researchers from the Norwegian Centre for E-health Research and Det Norske Veritas (DNV) met in Tromsø to lay the foundation for a new European framework for safe digital health technology.
On August 21, researchers gathered in Tromsø to take an important step in the work of the European research project EDiHTA. The aim is to develop a framework to ensure that digital health technology deployed in Europe meets strict requirements for security, privacy, efficiency and ethics.
“Researchers from the Norwegian Centre for E-health Research and Det norske Veritas (DNV) are analysing and discussing how EU legislation on artificial intelligence, data security and governance should be included in a new system for assessing new technology to be used in the health service,” says Kari Dyb, Senior Researcher at the Norwegian Centre for E-health Research.
Rapidly changing technology
Technology is evolving faster than ever and new digital solutions for healthcare are constantly emerging. But how can we be sure that these solutions are good and safe enough? The EU has long tried to standardize methods for evaluating e-health, but the lack of a coordinated European framework makes it difficult to assess the real value of the technology.
The EDiHTA project, led by Università Cattolica in Italy, aims to solve this challenge by developing a framework that integrates the EU's new artificial intelligence and cyber security regulations into the current framework for assessing new technologies in healthcare.
Artificial intelligence and data security
Artificial intelligence (AI) can free up resources in the health service, but it is crucial that AI is implemented in a way that safeguards security. In collaboration with DNV, the Norwegian Centre for E-health Research is analyzing how EU regulations for data security and privacy should be incorporated into the new framework for Health Technology Assessment (HTA).
“We will ensure that the new digital solutions meet the necessary requirements, while at the same time contributing to a sustainable and efficient health service,” says Dyb.
A cohesive European framework
Over the next four years, 16 partners from academia, healthcare and industry will work together to develop an interactive, inclusive and innovative framework. This framework will support decision makers at all levels, from healthcare professionals to policy makers.
The project also involves testing the digital HTA tool in pilot projects at major European hospitals, including Vestre Viken in Norway.
Towards a more target-oriented health service
EDiHTA will give healthcare professionals the tools they need to make informed decisions. In a public health service with limited resources, such a framework can be crucial to ensure that investments provide the most value to patients.
This project represents an important step towards a future where digital health technology can be assessed and implemented in a way that ensures both patient safety and efficient use of resources.