Work

Towards a European health information system: The BRIDGE Health, InfAct and PHIRI projects

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Background: National health systems in Europe are facing similar challenges - demographic change, a rising burden of disease due to chronic non-communicable diseases, and health inequalities. Comparable health data and knowledge sharing between countries are therefore an important basis for policy decision-making. However, health information in the European Union (EU) is fragmented and approaches to establishing a comprehensive system are largely project-based. Methods: This contribution describes the European projects BRIDGE Health (2015 - 2017), InfAct (Information for Action, 2018 - 2021) and PHIRI (Population Health Information Research Infrastructure, 2020 - 2023), which aimed at developing a sustainable health information infrastructure. Results: The projects, which build on one another, laid the groundwork for an EU-wide health information system. For example, a health information portal was established, a federated research infrastructure was implemented, handouts were created and training on capacity building was provided. Conclusions: An integrated EU-wide health information system is an important basis for policy decision-making and a prerequisite for a rapid and coordinated response to health crises. A sustainable structure or institution with a mandate for non-communicable diseases (NCD) and their determinants at the EU level would be desirable.

Source: PubMed

DOI: 10.25646/12943

Authors: Thißen, Martin, Fehr, Angela

Institution: Robert Koch Institute

Language: English

Topic: Electronic Health Records Systems

Subfield: Health Information Management

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Partnerships for the goals

Open Access status: green

Funders: European Commission, Bundesministerium für Gesundheit, Robert Koch Institut