Cross-border health data and research

You have learned that health data can cross borders in different ways. In Anna’s case, her medical file was sent from her Dutch gynaecologist to her German gynaecologist and back. As regards modern technologies, we have seen that it is sometimes difficult to determine where data is stored and how it is exchanged with third parties. In those cases it is also possible that data crosses borders.

Another way for data to cross a border is in a research context. Anna’s Dutch and German doctors work together in a research project. In case of a collaboration, the research data is anonymised by the institution collecting the data and then exchanged between partners anonymously. Anonymisation as a safeguard will be discussed later this week. But first, let’s find out more about research, a very important way to collect, use and share health data considering the societal interests.