In the past, Switzerland has always been characterized by its ability to change. Now it is in danger of missing out on a decisive transformation. While many countries have recognized the opportunities of digitalization in the healthcare system, Switzerland is lagging behind in international comparison. To catch up, Switzerland must invest in the development of a networked healthcare data ecosystem and launch the DigiSanté program.
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Quality and standards
The responsible use of data requires common rules regarding the technical and quality standards according to which the data is collected, structured and stored. This is important for interoperability. If data is not collected in accordance with a common minimum quality standard and in compatible formats, it cannot be linked. In most cases, linking data is what makes it possible to gain insights from it.
Technology and infrastructure
Much like the transport system, the foundation of the health data ecosystem is its infrastructure. The data ecosystem also requires a basic infrastructure that enables the collection, sharing and use of data. This basic infrastructure has the character of a public good.
Skilled workforce
The smooth functioning of the system requires skilled workers with the capabilities needed to maintain, operate and use the system. Data competence – the ability to work with data – must be firmly anchored in all apprenticeship and training curricula as a core competence.
Acceptance and involvement
The health data ecosystem requires the active involvement and trust of all involved parties in order to ensure that everyone benefits. Supporting this cultural transformation requires a comprehensive dialog with all of the players in the healthcare system.
Financing and investment
Building the infrastructures of the health data ecosystem requires investment by the Confederation and the cantons as well as the investments set forth in the DigiSanté program. In a dynamic health data ecosystem, sustainable financing can be secured though charges for secondary data users such as researchers, among other measures.
Regulation and incentives
The use of data requires a supportive legal framework. It must be clearly established what data can be shared under which conditions. There is also a need for incentives for gathering and curating health data in a structured way as this is a very time-consuming task. So there is a need for new approaches to the compensation of the services of hospitals and doctors as this work is not adequately taken into account in the current billing practices.
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