Work

Balancing Harm Reduction With Maximizing Benefits: A Review of Principle 5 of the Pan-Canadian Health Data Charter

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Principle 5 of the Pan-Canadian Health Data Charter highlights the importance of maximizing public benefit from reusing health data with minimizing harm, focusing on quality, security, privacy, and reliable governance. This article brings together findings showing that Canada's fragmented and non-interoperable data landscape, along with inconsistent governance, leads to reduced clinical safety, slower research and innovation progress, and significant economic setbacks. Moreover, prioritizing privacy above all can unintentionally hinder valuable data sharing. Our recommendations are to mandate data sharing with protective safeguards, implement national interoperability standards, shift towards stewardship models, and create culturally grounded health data governance for Indigenous and equity-seeking groups.

Source: Healthcare Management Forum

DOI: 10.1177/08404704261458795

Authors: Geoff Gregson, Tory Hibbitt

Institution: University of Alberta

Language: English

Topic: Electronic Health Records Systems

Subfield: Health Information Management

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,200