Data in healthcare: Standardization, governance and sharing can cut global mortality

The growth of digital technology has unleashed unprecedented opportunities for leveraging health data to enhance care delivery and improve patient outcomes globally.

Despite good progress, there is a clear need for the further integration of digital health technologies and the optimization of health data usage and sharing in healthcare. From women’s health to the impact of climate change on health, there is much need — and much opportunity — in the further and deeper integration of data into our healthcare systems.

Among the key goals of this push for deeper data integration into healthcare is enhancing system efficiencies and healthcare delivery, improving patient outcomes and, critically, reducing global mortality rates.

At the heart of the push for this transformation is the World Economic Forum’s Digital Healthcare Transformation (DHT) Initiative, which acts as a catalyst for reimagining health and healthcare through a global platform that fosters public-private collaboration. By engaging with diverse stakeholders, including government bodies, private sector leaders and civil society, the DHT Initiative aims to create a digitally reimagined health system that is innovative, sustainable and inclusive.

In anticipation of the upcoming Sustainable Development Impact meeting 2024 and the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, the DHT Initiative’s focus aligns closely with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Partners of the DHT Initiative highlighted the need for the integration of digital health technologies and the optimization of health data usage and sharing to enhance system efficiencies and healthcare delivery.

The initiative is thus aligned on exploring ways to leverage data collaboration to help reduce global mortality. Partners highlighted that increasing health data collaboration is crucial for identifying risk factors, optimizing resource allocation and saving lives.

Effective utilization of health data can lead to significant advancements in diagnosing, treating and preventing a range of health issues. Early detection of chronic conditions through data-driven insights allows for timely interventions, potentially preventing severe complications and reducing mortality rates. Additionally, better monitoring and management of pregnancies through comprehensive data analysis can help reduce maternal mortality rates worldwide, ensuring safer deliveries and healthier mothers.

Data's role in healthcare extends far beyond traditional clinical settings. For instance, the integration of weather data can profoundly impact public health by predicting and mitigating the spread of water-borne diseases and malaria. By analyzing patterns in weather and environmental data, health systems can anticipate outbreaks and implement preventative measures, thereby safeguarding populations from the devastating effects of these diseases. This approach exemplifies how non-clinical data, when integrated with health information systems, can lead to more proactive and effective healthcare solutions.

To address the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation in healthcare, the World Economic Forum, in partnership with Capgemini, is exploring how health data collaboration can significantly enhance and accelerate the benefits of digital health initiatives.

It is critical to recognize the role of global health data collaboration in driving systemic change. By aligning efforts across countries and sectors, we can overcome the fragmented nature of current health systems and realize a more integrated, efficient and patient-centered healthcare model worldwide. Here are four ways to do just that, based on insights gained from partner interactions within the DHT Initiative:

1. Standardization and interoperability: To avoid the pitfalls of fragmented standards, existing universal standards should be widely adopted. Developing scalable technology stacks capable of managing diverse data sources is crucial. Equally important is the establishment of national-level collaborative processes that ensure extensive stakeholder engagement. Such efforts should align with ethical frameworks and government priorities, creating a cohesive approach to interoperability across the healthcare sector.

2. Value in data sharing: Highlighting the immense benefits of data sharing within the healthcare ecosystem is essential for driving advancements. By developing innovative business models that incentivize data sharing, significant value can be unlocked, propelling healthcare improvements. Demonstrating the real-world impact of data sharing — such as the reduction of medical errors — through compelling storytelling and transparent communication is crucial in fostering broader acceptance and engagement.

3. Cultural shifts in data perception: A cultural mindset change towards health data is necessary to unlock its full potential. Establishing trust in data sharing and collaboration through education about the benefits of data collaboration can foster an environment of mutual benefit and transparency. This shift is crucial for fostering a cooperative and transparent health data environment.

4. Governance and data rights: Effective governance and data rights are crucial in ensuring that health data sharing is secure, ethical and efficient. Underpinned by equity and rights principles, and focusing on the practical implementation of these principles across various organizational structures and processes, stakeholders can achieve significant improvements in health data management. Frameworks like the European Health Data Space exemplify how robust governance can facilitate the safe and effective exchange of health data across borders; maintaining data integrity and privacy while enabling the seamless flow of vital health information.

The integration of strategic pillars is vital for the sustainable expansion of digital health technologies and data utilization. These include enhancing interoperability, fostering global partnerships and continuously engaging stakeholders in the development of solutions that address broad health challenges.

Despite progress, significant disparities in healthcare access remain. The power of data in healthcare is immense and largely untapped. We invite organizations to explore the broader context of data as a facet of health innovation, drive benefits of sharing and integrating data and think about areas for improvement or initiation.

Through concerted efforts under the DHT Initiative, we can ensure that this power is harnessed effectively, making health systems across the globe more resilient, equitable and capable of meeting the needs of their populations.