Nordic pilot study launched to improve health data practices and patient care 

The new pilot study will conduct a federated analysis where data converted to the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) Common Data model is analysed locally at each participating site without sharing patient information. Focusing on patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the study will compare care quality by analysing existing oncology data in OMOP format from three hospitals in Denmark, Finland and Norway. It will generate recommendations to improve data sharing and use in the Nordics, identifying strengths, weaknesses and gaps in the current process.  

Leading Nordic university hospitals, including Oslo University Hospital (Norway), Helsinki University Hospital (Finland) and Rigshospitalet (Denmark), will participate in the study as data partners, with Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet (Sweden) and Landspítali University Hospital (Iceland) as observers.

The study is part of the Value from Nordic health data (VALO) project, which seeks to demonstrate the added value of Nordic collaboration in the secondary use of health data. The VALO project is funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers and coordinated by Sitra, with the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) in the role of administrative body.  

“The research collaborations with the Nordic university hospitals provide a unique opportunity to assess the effectiveness of the OMOP model in the Nordic region and we look forward to leading the established VALO pilot study consortium,” says Susanna Flaherty, Healthcare Director and Country Manager Finland for IQVIA.  

Sitra’s Specialist, Nima Jokilaakso, emphasises the tangible benefits of the study, stating, “The analysis will provide policymakers with new valuable insights into the realities of secondary use of health data in the Nordics. These insights can help pave the way for OMOP studies to be carried out on a larger scale across the region, benefiting citizens, researchers, and innovators.” 

Persephone Doupi, Senior Medical Officer at THL, adds, “Utilisation of high-quality health data across borders is moving center-stage with the forthcoming European Health Data Space regulation. The Nordic region aims to be prepared and retain its leadership in this field, and the VALO project pilot experiences and learnings will support us in achieving our common goal.” 

The pilot will run from November 2024 to October 2025. Follow the VALO website for updates on the progress.