Building digital transformation in health

This talk will address the impact of digital transformation to optimise healthcare services and improve patient outcomes [1], highlighting the role of the Shared Services of the Ministry of Health (SPMS) to this field [2]. The impact of the European Health Data Space (EHDS) [3] in facilitating access to health data for a more efficient and integrated provision of healthcare services at European level, as well as to advance research and medical innovation (e.g. improved diagnosis, personalized treatments, and clinical decision making) through health data reuse will be addressed. SPMS’s active involvement in key international initiatives that promote digital health transformation and ensure alignment with the EHDS [2,4,5] will be presented, highlighting the pivotal role of cross-border collaboration to advance a digital ecosystem that promotes innovation and enhances citizens’ healthcare and quality of life. Additionally, SPMS’ contribution to the future of the EHDS will be covered, along with Portugal’s commitment to building a global digital health ecosystem towards an optimized, patient-centered, innovation-driven healthcare system.