Cross-border transfer of eHealth data - BFCC session at Baltic Sea Region Forum

The project partners of BFCC are developing a transnational registry in the field of bone fractures, which will collect patient data. Many questions about cross-border data transfer and protection have to be clarified. This approach gives rise to a general discussion on transfer of eHealth data in the Baltic Sea Region.

BFCC will therefore organise a panel discussion at EU level within the 8th Strategy Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region on 13 – 14th of June in Berlin. The session will address questions as ‘What should be done on BSR level?’; ‘What could member states do?’ and ‘How can patients’ and physicians’ organisations support the data transfer?’. The aim is to find solutions to overcome barriers that hinder the free transfer of eHealth data.

The panel is made up of experts with different professional backgrounds. The Estonian representatives will report how the recently signed joint declaration on an initial roadmap for launching data exchange and e-services between Estonia and Finland will be put into practice.

Moderator:

• Prof Roland Trill, eHealth for Regions Network, Flensburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany

Panel:

• Prof Wolfgang Hoffmann, BFCC-Partner, Institute for Community Medicine, Section Epidemiology of Health Care and Community Health, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany
• Dr Ain Aaviksoo, Deputy Secretary General for E-services and Innovation, Ministry of Social Affairs, Republic of Estonia
• Jaanus Pikani, Chairman of Scanbalt fmba, Tartu Biotechnology Park, Estonia
• Thomas Karopka, BioCon Valley GmbH, Greifswald, Germany
• PhD Lars Lindsköld, eHealth Unit, Department of Region Health, Region Västra Götaland (TBC)

Speaker:

• Dr Gudrun Mernitz, BioCon Valley GmbH, Greifswald, Germany

The BSR holds a high potential to become a role model for the rest of Europe in eHealth and electronic health data transfer. However, there are also challenges like discrepancy between the states in the behaviour towards eHealth and cross-border data exchange.

A common approach across all BSR countries would be needed to establish the BSR as a front runner in eHealth which will contribute to the wellbeing and health of its citizens.

A “connectivity” of eHealth in the Baltic Sea Region via cross-border exchange of electronic health data could create value for the BSR by opening new possibilities for patients, healthcare service providers, businesses, governments and the wider public through research and development.

More about the 8th Annual Forum