BC Platforms launches platform to support readiness for the European Health Data Space

The European Health Data Space-ready platform will support real-world data (RWD) analysis and EU healthcare compliance, facilitating secure, automated data access and interoperable research across EU institutions.

BC Platforms, a global leader in RWD and healthcare data management, has announced the launch of an advanced EHDS-ready Trusted Research Environment (TRE) to support EU healthcare institutions in meeting the European Health Data Space (EHDS) regulations. Designed for compliance with EHDS requirements over the next two to six years, this platform provides a robust solution for secure, automated access and exchange of both primary and secondary health data. With EHDS compatibility, BC Platforms’ TRE also supports advanced data harmonization standards, including observational medical outcomes partnership common data model (OMOP CDM), fast healthcare interoperability resources (FHIR), and openEHR, making cross-border research feasible and secure.

The EHDS, set to take effect in 2025, aims to address data sharing and accessibility challenges across EU member states. By 2028, the EHDS framework seeks to establish a unified legal and technical structure for streamlined healthcare data governance, projected to save the EU €5.5 billion over ten years through improved health data exchange.

BC Platforms’ new TRE offers a flexible, “hardware-agnostic” solution compatible with both local and national secure data environments. Equipped with advanced automation and AI tools, the platform enables healthcare institutions to meet EHDS data standards and regulations, significantly enhancing data sharing and research efficiency across Europe.

Mikaela Bruhammar, Interim CEO at BC Platforms, emphasized the importance of this development:

“At BC Platforms, we’re focused on providing key EU-based healthcare institutions, such as University Hospitals, with the significant digital capabilities required to meet the needs of EHDS in a fairly tight timeframe. Secondary data, such as real-world data, also presents a particular opportunity where we have significant expertise. By supporting EHDS compatibility, we are helping ensure that the EU becomes a viably competitive and attractive healthcare data provider in the global market.”

As EHDS implementation progresses, BC Platforms anticipates a surge in data-related activities across EU healthcare institutions. Timo Kanninen, Chief Science Officer at BC Platforms, highlighted the expected scale of this demand:

“With EHDS, the need of the healthcare sector across the EU will be almost exponential in scope. Our initial calculations indicate that, in Finland alone, data queries will increase by approximately 25 times – a substantial increase that will require new solutions. These queries must be logged and assessed, and decisions must be made with relative speed. Working closely with key strategic partners, we are delivering a holistic package that satisfies the needs of most University Hospitals while enabling the highest security measures on a global scale.”

The TRE also supports federated analysis, enabling simultaneous data analysis across multiple EU countries. This feature is crucial for building a collaborative, interoperable EU healthcare data ecosystem, equipping research institutions with tools to handle rising demand and streamline feasibility studies and data release approvals efficiently.