Secure electronic vaccination card: interest group presents concept

Something is happening with the electronic vaccination card. After For data protection reasons, a first attempt to digitally manage vaccinations performed, failed, Swiss citizens should once again have the opportunity to collect, manage and use their vaccination data electronically. To make this possible, a broad consortium has published a feasibility study. The consortium includes the Bern University of Applied Sciences BFH, the Association of Swiss Doctors FMH, pharmaSuisse, HCI Solutions, Interpharma and the cooperative MIDATA.

Secure electronic vaccination card is possible

The study shows: A secure electronic vaccination card is possible. And the added value of such a card would be considerable: "This would give citizens sovereignty over their vaccination data. They alone decide to whom they make it available," explains Professor Serge Bignens from BFH, adding: "At the same time, they can be better informed and sensitized about the benefits of vaccinations. This allows people to better manage their own vaccination protection, which in turn improves public health. In addition, an e-vaccination dossier makes it easier for doctors and pharmacists to access the current vaccination status, which in turn makes it possible to retrieve electronic vaccination recommendations. Finally, researchers can use anonymized vaccination data to discover new findings and correlations. This is made possible by using the data platform of the non-profit cooperative MIDATA. Switzerland is lagging behind in the use of health data, as shown by relevant international studies such as the Bertelsmann Foundation's digital health index, in which Switzerland ranks fourth to last. The experiences of recent years have once again highlighted how important a functioning health data ecosystem is for society. After all, it is also data from this ecosystem that helps to further develop vaccines.

Overriding principles: Robust data protection and data sovereignty for patients

The feasibility study was drawn up along certain key principles. In addition to the data sovereignty of citizens, data protection is also central. This has top priority in the concept developed. Furthermore, the concept is public and the standards of the proposed solution are widely applicable, which means that the model can be expanded as desired. The authors have also ensured that the proposed solution is compatible with other initiatives - in particular with the electronic patient dossier (EPD). Citizens can thus freely move their data from one place to another. Another key point: the electronic vaccination card could be implemented quickly - as soon as sustainable funding is secured.

Long-term funding and construction of the system as next steps.

A vaccination data ecosystem requires financial resources. The study details which components would need to be integrated, newly developed, maintained and operated. The next step for implementation is to secure long-term funding. The system can then be built and maintained. This will require private and public investment, as the e-vaccination card should be available to patients free of charge. The study presented shows that a secure and broadly supported electronic vaccination card is possible for Switzerland, explicitly including the technical feasibility of a connection to an EPD. According to the authors, the study comes at the right time, as it is also of interest to the Federal Administration. The latter is currently working on the introduction of a vaccination card in the EPR. More information and source

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/sicherer-elektronischer-impfausweis-interessengemeinschaft-legt-konzept-vor/