The European Health Data Space is around the corner. The legislation is confirmed. How do we get to the next steps?

There is a projected global deficit of 10 million health workers by 2030, and it is impractical to bridge this gap solely by hiring new doctors and nurses. Increasing the frontline workforce is necessary, but integrating digital tools and technologies is crucial to alleviate the burden on existing health professionals. Studies indicate that 10-30% of frontline health professionals' tasks are administrative and automatable. By automating these tasks, digital tools can free up significant time for health workers, helping to close the workforce gap and improve work-life balance.

Future of Healthcare requires more data specialst

To achieve healthcare workforce optimization, investment in health IT and data professionals is essential. These professionals can automate workflows, thereby enhancing efficiency. Hiring one IT professional who can save five minutes per day for each health worker can be more valuable than hiring a new doctor or nurse in certain situations. The focus should be on roles such as data scientists, data stewards, and data protection officers, who are crucial for managing and protecting health data while fostering access to these assets.

Countries like the UK, Australia, and Canada are considering the creation of a data commissioner role to ensure both data access and protection. Defining the future workforce and investing in these roles is imperative. Policy leaders must be encouraged to recognize the importance of investing in health IT and data professionals, despite the ease of justifying hires of traditional health roles like doctors and nurses.

Eric Sutherland is Senior Health Economist and Digital Health Lead at OECD, who worked on the pan-Canadian health data strategy before his current role. 

In this episode, he discusses the upcoming implementation of the European Health Data Space, what needs to happen next, how do we involve the public, encourage trust in data sharing, and also build capacity for digital health implementation. We are moving into the era of new required data professionals, not just data analysts, but also data controllers, data stewards and more. 

Show notes:

[00:02:00] - Eric Sutherland's background and transition from Canada to OECD

Eric shares his journey in digital health, from Canada to OECD, and the comparison between European and Canadian data strategies.

[00:04:00] - Challenges and solutions in Canadian health data strategy

Discussion on the development and challenges of the Pan-Canadian Health Data Strategy, emphasizing the need for data stewardship and public engagement.

[00:06:00] - Importance of data interoperability and policy compatibility

Eric emphasizes the critical role of data interoperability and compatible health policies across different regions.

[00:08:00] - Goals of Canadian health data strategy and its impact

Insights into the aims of Canadian health data initiatives, focusing on improving healthcare delivery through better data utilization.

[00:10:00] - Governance and collective impact in Canadian healthcare

Discussion on the governance model in Canadian healthcare, stressing the importance of a collective impact framework to enhance data sharing and policy implementation.

[00:12:00] - European health data space and public engagement

Eric discusses the need for meaningful public and provider engagement in Europe’s health data strategies and the challenges therein.

[00:14:00] - Opt-out provisions and public interest in European health data space

Analysis of opt-out provisions in the European health data space, its benefits, and the areas of public interest that need focus.

[00:16:00] - Setting standards and policy compatibility in Europe

The conversation turns to the necessity for standard setting and ensuring policy compatibility across European countries for effective data usage.

[00:18:00] - Learning from historical approaches in healthcare data strategies

Eric reflects on historical approaches to healthcare data privacy and the shift towards opt-out models, discussing the implications and learnings.

[00:20:00] - Digital health literacy and public engagement

A deep dive into the strategies to enhance digital health literacy and engage the public effectively in health data initiatives.

[00:22:00] - Simplifying communication in digital health

The importance of clear and simplified communication in promoting public understanding and acceptance of digital health technologies.

[00:24:00] - Role of patient leaders and public deliberation in health policy

Discussion on the importance of patient leaders and structured public deliberation in shaping effective health policies.

[00:26:00] - Public expectations on health data usage

Insights into public expectations and consent regarding the use of their health data for research and community health improvements.

[00:28:00] - Economics of digital health and ROI

Eric discusses the economic aspects of digital health, including the return on investment and the impact of digital technologies on healthcare efficiency.

[00:30:00] - Utilizing health data for policy and research

The potential of health data to support policymaking and research, aiming for a proactive, prevention-oriented health system.

[00:32:00] - Interoperability and investment in digital health infrastructure

Examination of the need for interoperable health systems and strategic investments to connect different segments of healthcare delivery.

[00:34:00] - Shifting towards a prevention-based health system

Discussion on the future of healthcare, focusing on prevention and the strategic use of digital tools to improve health outcomes.

[00:36:00] - Workforce and capacity building in digital health

The critical role of a skilled workforce in leveraging health data effectively, and the need for investment in health IT and data professionals.

[00:38:00] - Automation and the future of health workforce

The potential of automation to support health professionals and improve service delivery, reducing administrative burdens and enhancing care.