Finland has well-established regulations and processes for the use of data for secondary purposes. This is overseen by the Social and Health Data Permit Authority Findata, which facilitates data permit processing and improves data protection for individuals.

The secondary use of health data refers to using health data, such as patient records, for purposes other than the primary reason for which they were originally collected. This can include research, decision-making, and innovation. 

European Commission has made the creation of a European Health Data Space (open in new window) as a priority for 2019-2025. The proposal stems from the GDPR. There are currently no common practices for the secondary use of health data in Europe. 

This episode is a recording of a panel discussion that took place during the eHealth Days, organized as part of the Slovenian presidency to the Council of EU, end of August.

Speakers:

•  – Minna Hendolin, Leading Specialist – HealthData at the Finish innovation fund SITRA, Finland
• Jukka Lähesmaa, Senior Specialist, The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Finland
• Angel Martin (Brussels), chair of MedTech Europe’s Digital Health Committee and AI and Data WG
• Dipak Kalra (UK), President of The European Institute for Innovation through Health Data

See the full series:

https://www.facesofdigitalhealth.com/blog/digital-health-in-the-nordics