Health Data Cross Borders: A New Era in Europe

Developed by the European Union, the European Health Data Space (EHDS) seeks to establish a common framework that enables electronic health data to be shared securely across countries and reused under certain conditions. The Regulation was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 5 March 2025 and entered into force on 26 March 2025. Its implementation will take place gradually, allowing countries time to complete the necessary technical and legal preparations.

The new system is expected to make it easier for individuals to access their health data and exercise greater control over how these data are used. Cross-border exchange of patient summaries and electronic prescriptions is planned to begin in 2029. Other types of health data, including medical images, laboratory results, and hospital discharge reports, are expected to be incorporated into the system from 2031 onwards.

The European Health Data Space is not solely intended to facilitate patients’ treatment processes. It will also enable health data to be used in scientific research, public health monitoring, and health policy development. The analysis of large datasets may help identify disease trends earlier, evaluate healthcare outcomes, and allocate resources according to the needs of society.

Naturally, the broader use of health data also raises questions about patient privacy and data security. Who will be able to access the data, for what purposes they may be used, and how personal information will be protected are among the system’s most important considerations. Under the Regulation, the use of health data for purposes such as research and policymaking will require authorisation from the relevant authorities. The safeguards introduced also include processing data in secure environments, anonymising them whenever possible, and prohibiting attempts to re-identify individuals.

This development also places significant responsibilities on healthcare managers. Healthcare institutions will need to align their electronic record systems with common standards, ensure that data are accurate and up to date, strengthen cybersecurity measures, and train their staff in data security. For this reason, it is becoming increasingly important for future healthcare managers to understand not only how healthcare services operate but also digital systems, data management, and patient privacy.

The European Health Data Space signals a new era in which health data are no longer viewed simply as records stored in hospitals. However, the success of the system will depend on public trust as much as on its technological infrastructure. Striking a balance between using health data to improve the quality of healthcare and scientific research and protecting personal privacy will be one of the most important healthcare management issues in the years ahead.