Netherlands Launches Toolkit for Healthcare Data Reuse Amid Regulatory Challenges
The Hague, Wednesday, 3 September 2025.
The Dutch Ministry of Health developed a toolkit to improve communication on reusing healthcare data, aiming to address privacy concerns and promote innovation under new EU regulations.
Toolkit to Enhance Understanding and Innovation
The Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Sport has introduced a communication toolkit to elucidate the concept of secondary use of healthcare data. This toolkit, created in partnership with thirteen healthcare organizations, is designed to improve the dialogue between citizens, patients, and healthcare professionals. It comprises various materials such as posters, flyers, visuals, animations, and presentations, aiming to facilitate understanding of how health data can be reused for research, innovation, and policy-making purposes [1].
Addressing Privacy Concerns
A key aspect of the initiative is addressing public concern over data privacy. The toolkit is part of a broader effort to comply with the European Health Data Space (EHDS), which came into effect in March 2025. This regulation seeks to streamline the sharing of medical data across Europe, ensuring that both healthcare providers and patients have access to comprehensive medical information [2]. The toolkit aims to demystify the concept of secondary data use and strengthen public trust by providing clear and accessible information in B1 language level [3].
Facilitating Data-Driven Healthcare Innovation
The reuse of healthcare data holds promising potential for accelerating the development of new treatments and medicines. By providing healthcare professionals with the tools to effectively communicate the benefits of data reuse, the toolkit supports innovation in healthcare. The EHDS regulation also mandates that electronic patient records be interoperable, reducing the time healthcare professionals spend on data collection and allowing more focus on patient care [4].
Regulatory Compliance and Future Directions
The implementation of the EHDS represents a significant regulatory shift for the Netherlands, requiring a comprehensive overhaul of existing data governance models and technical architectures. The toolkit is part of the Dutch government’s strategy to ensure compliance with EU regulations while promoting the benefits of data reuse. This initiative aligns with broader EU goals to enhance healthcare delivery through data-driven solutions and improved cross-border data sharing [5].