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An interview with Dr. Franziska Bathelt, Head of the Data Integration Center (DIZ) at Medizinische Universität Lausitz - Carl Thiem.Bildquelle: TMF e.V./Volkmar Otto
Mrs. Bathelt, which challenges did you face in building the DIZ – particularly regarding data protection, data quality, or acceptance?
To establish the DIZ sustainably and correctly at what was then a municipal hospital, it was essential to understand the care processes, medical data, and the creation of added value. We therefore began with job shadowing on the wards and engaged in close dialogue to explore ways of easing workflows. In addition, we collaborated intensively with medical staff through workshops. This led, among other things, to jointly agreed-upon processes for data requests and data usage for research purposes. These efforts significantly increased both acceptance and data quality.
In terms of legal aspects, we established a close cooperation with local data protection officers and the information security officer, which enabled us to create a very constructive working atmosphere.
What learnings from Cottbus could be transferred to other regions?
The two most important factors for unlocking and making use of data are communication and generating added value. (Medical) informatics must be deeply embedded in the care processes. The initial job shadowing was especially helpful in this regard. Idea generation and development should not serve as an end in themselves but should be cooperative, interdisciplinary, and interprofessional.
How can regional stakeholders be motivated to actively participate and provide data?
I can’t yet offer a definitive answer, as we are still in the early stages. However, we see strong engagement from regional stakeholders through events like the sub-working groups of the Innovation & Network Council when it comes to developing new care approaches. Our hope regarding data provision is that added value and a shared vision will lead to stronger participation by regional stakeholders in this area as well.
What is the long-term vision for the DIZ Cottbus in the context of the European Health Data Space (EHDS)?
In preparation for implementing the processes foreseen in the EHDS, we are currently working on connecting regional healthcare stakeholders to the IT infrastructures of the MUL-CT. We are well aware that the primary role of, for example, general practitioners is patient care – not the technical implementation of EHDS requirements. We therefore aim to create low-threshold solutions that relieve regional stakeholders of this burden and manage it within our scope of responsibility.
At the same time, our desire to simplify work in the region opens the opportunity to build sustainable technical and organizational structures, enabling DIZ Cottbus to function as a "decentralized health data access body" within the EHDS framework.
