Seamless access to patient data

The EHDS aims to facilitate the secure access, sharing, and management of health data across the EU. For community pharmacies, this means improved access to patient health records and prescription information, enabling them to provide more informed and safe medication dispensing services, conduct medication reviews, and offer personalised advice based on a patient’s comprehensive health profile.

Digital prescriptions and interoperability

With the focus on digital health records and cross-border health data exchange, the EHDS will likely accelerate the adoption of digital prescriptions. Community pharmacies will be integral in this transition, requiring them to adapt their systems to handle and process e-prescriptions efficiently and securely. Enhanced interoperability standards will facilitate this process, ensuring that pharmacies can easily integrate with broader healthcare ecosystems.

Patient privacy and data protection

EHDS emphasises patient rights and the protection of personal health data. Community pharmacies will need to ensure their data processing practices comply with stringent EU data protection regulations, including GDPR. This includes securing patient consent for data use, ensuring data accuracy, and implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect health data.

Education and training needs

The shift towards a more digital and data-driven healthcare environment will require pharmacists and pharmacy staff to receive training in digital health technologies, data management, and privacy protection. This education is vital to navigate the EHDS effectively and to continue providing high-quality patient care.

Implementing the EHDS in Ireland

The success of EHDS in Ireland will depend on active engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, including healthcare providers, community pharmacies, patient advocacy groups, IT professionals, and policymakers. This collaborative approach will help to identify specific national needs, opportunities, and challenges in implementing EHDS.

With the EHDS, pharmacies will become integrated into a larger European healthcare ecosystem, enabling them to access electronic health records, e-prescriptions, and patient data with ease and security. This not only enhances the efficiency of pharmaceutical services but also ensures that patient care is more informed and personalized than ever before.

The Health Information Bill, a domestic legislative framework, seeks to govern the collection, management, and sharing of health information within Ireland. It’s a critical step toward creating the infrastructure needed for the EHDS and digital health services. For community pharmacies, the bill will dictate how they manage patient data, comply with data protection regulations, and engage in the digital health ecosystem. It aims to provide clarity and security, ensuring that pharmacies can navigate the digital transition with confidence.

For Ireland, the Health Information Bill is a crucial step towards creating the domestic legal and regulatory environment necessary to implement the EHDS. It would ensure that Ireland’s health data practices are in full compliance with the EHDS requirements, enabling seamless participation in this European initiative. In summary, the Health Information Bill serves as a national foundation that supports and complements the objectives of the EHDS. By aligning Ireland’s health data governance with EU-wide efforts to create a single digital health market, the Bill is a critical piece in the puzzle of realizing the EHDS’s vision for a connected and efficient European healthcare system.

Infrastructure and interoperability

Ireland will need to invest in healthcare IT infrastructure to support the seamless exchange and access to health data. This includes enhancing the interoperability of electronic health record systems, ensuring they can communicate across different healthcare settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, and primary care.

Public awareness and engagement

Raising awareness among the public about the benefits and rights associated with EHDS is essential. This includes informing patients about their rights to access and control their health data, the security measures in place to protect their information, and how they can benefit from enhanced digital health services.

Next month in the IPU Review:

In Ireland, the upcoming Health Information Bill is the implementing instrument for the EHDS; the July/August issue of the IPU Review will introduce the Health Information Bill and explain its ambition, analyse the just-published Digital Heath Framework 2024-2030 and outline how they are all linked.