„We have the applications and the technology, now it’s time to take the next step.“

We don’t need to explain it to you anymore: data quality, collecting and making good data available are key points of #1Patient1Record4Belgium. Daan Aeyels, Senior Advisor for Wellness and Health Policy at VOKA (Flemish Business Network), says that we already have a lot of data, but we just don’t reuse it and use it in clinical treatments. And yet, that is precisely what is so important.

What is needed?

Today, in Flanders, we are still not able to exchange important data. And this even though we have the technology and the application. Technologically speaking, it’s not a challenge: it’s possible to securely bring together your medical data from the doctor, the pharmacy and the hospital. But why isn’t it done yet?

According to Daan, the most important thing is to make clear agreements between the different places where data is collected and managed. How do you ensure that this exchange is done properly? You want all your data to be available when you need care. The same is true when it comes to your loved one.

Interoperability

The potential is much greater than what we currently know. We just need to make sure we have the interoperability* that ensures that the connection between certain actors happens at the right time. In this way, we effectively use and interconnect all systems that collect and leverage medical data no matter where or when it is available.

*Products, systems or organizations are interoperable if they can work together without restrictions.

Read also: How you are considered a completely unknown patient by the hospital where you are known

Reuse

It also starts with reusing data. Being able to reuse data that has already been recorded by putting inputs or advice into it so that it helps professionals make decisions about the right care.

The other thing to remember is that this data must be understandable by everyone, even if you don’t have a technical background. Fortunately, the technology is there to make it user-friendly, so that everyone can find their way around and get their data easily. Now it’s time to take the next step.

Join #1Patient1Record4Belgium, share your experiences and let’s work together to improve healthcare in Belgium.

Daan Aeyels

Read also: All data should stay at the source, so we need to make sure we connect the sources.

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