Study on the use of international data models for healthcare and social welfare

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has launched a study on the use of international data models for healthcare and social welfare. Key national and international experts in the field will participate in the preparation of the study. This will allow the study to highlight the needs of healthcare as widely as possible. The study is conducted by the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela).

The aim of the study is to provide views and recommendations on the use of international data models in the healthcare sector and to produce information and recommendations that support decision-making. The study will also assess the current state of data models and the benefits of different alternatives. Particular attention will be paid to how the primary use of patient data and the purpose for which various types of data is used can be harmonised.

“It is possible that we here in Finland could use data models based on international standards instead of creating a separate national data model. This would allow us to adopt data models with less preparation. Finland has carried out long-term development work based on international standards and classifications at the national level, for example, within the framework of the Kanta Services. This development work can be stepped up once we are closer to finding a solution for the data model,” says Senior Specialist Riikka Vuokko from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.

The study is based on the strategy for digitalisation and information management in healthcare and social welfare (Ministry of Social Affairs and Health 12/2023). The strategy for digitalisation and information management in healthcare and social welfare emphasises the importance of semantic interoperability, which in this context means that the meaning of information remains unchanged when information is transferred between different systems. The strategy also identifies the need to introduce data models that support the production, recording and other processing of data as well as the exchange of data.

A data model refers to a way of producing data on individuals and patients in a jointly agreed manner. This means, for example, how to produce data on the diagnosis of a disease or condition or the pharmacotherapy used.

The study will be completed in early 2025.

Inquiries

Riikka Vuokko, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 163 600
Sari Palojoki, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 163 150

Email addresses are in the format [email protected]