Briefing paper 1 | “European-level requirements and constraints for FAIR data structures to enable communication between EHDS compliant EHR systems and algorithm-based tools”

This briefing paper deep dives into potential European-level expectations for data structures that would enable communication between electronic health record (EHR) systems and algorithm-based tools. It highlights that the data structures should be in line with Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable (FAIR) data principles. The paper contains plenty of insights into data fluidity, FAIR data, artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithms, use cases, typologies and samples of tools, and the large spectrum of actors/stakeholders to involve. It offers 10 key recommendations towards a calibrated and carefully governed approach to algorithm-based tools. The paper was prepared by EHTEL in the context of the work of the Xt-EHR Joint Action.

EHTEL members and experts, from EHTEL's EHDS Implementers Task Force, have co-created three forward-looking working papers on what implementers really need from the EHDS. They were developed over a six-month period through workshops, consultations, and validation rounds. On 21 January 2026, the working papers' key messages and recommendations drove discussions at the EHTEL Thought Leaders Symposium, hosted by the Radical Health Festival Helsinki.

So, what do you really need from the EHDS?

Your voice starts here 

• EHTEL collected all the feedback on the working papers expressed during the EHTEL Thought Leader Symposium sessions,and more. 

• EHTEL is now consolidating  all those comments into clear, actionable messages. It will make sure your feedback reaches the policymaking table. 

This is your chance to influence the EHDS.
Join the conversation.

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Working paper 1 | "The EHDS regulation of EHR systems: Blind spots and pain points, and how to address them"

The EHDS regulation inevitably contained some blind spots in the face of the complexity of Europe’s healthcare delivery. These blind spots are now emerging and causing pain points for implementers. This working paper reflects on the EHR definition - often perceived as too broad - and offers perspectives on potential solutions from healthcare providers, industry, and Member States, and proposes policy recommendations to ensure a successful EHDS implementation. 

Working paper 2 | "Increasing the availability of high-quality and structured health data, the potential of AI"

The EHDS addresses the syntax of health systems transactions, though not yet the use of semantic resources. This working paper, prepared with the support of XiA, explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can strengthen interoperability in the EHDS, which will be a critical enabler for critical enabler of health data reuse. Can AI meet the clinician dream of coding "happening in the background", with no or very minimal human intervention?  

Working paper 3 | "How can EHR system users make the best of algorithm-based tools?"

This working paper, prepared for Xt-EHR Joint Action, looks at the real requirements for meaningful interactions between electronic health records (EHRs) and AI solutions. Building on the EHDS, it highlights the importance of data fluidity and the role of FAIR data, data quality assurance, user-centred design, and governance. Achieving interoperable, trustworthy, and clinically meaningful AI supported clinical decision making requires comprehensive, multi-level strategies – from local hospital workflows up to European semantic frameworks – with human beings and AI working together to refine data ecosystems. 

In 2020 EHTEL produced a series of six factsheets, as the outcome of a series of Imagining 2029 webinars led by the EHTEL Working Groups and Task Forces.

ELO Network of eHealth competence centres

From the European Strategy for Data to Health Data Spaces

This factsheet highlights the roles of eHealth competence centres and, more broadly, of Member States in Europe on moving forward their agendas towards European Health Data Spaces (while maintaining trust and data sovereignty for citizens and patients).

Architectures and processes enabling data re-use

This second factsheet summarises the general context of the European Strategy for Data. It analyses the present positioning of Member States and alternative approaches proposed by private sector initiatives, in particular by partners involved in the InteropEHRate project.

Towards European data spaces for medicines 

The factsheet explains why the concept of European Health Data Spaces is particularly relevant for medicinal products and pharmacovigilance. It explains how the implementation of the identification of medicinal products (IDMP) standards, supported by the UNICOM project, could be a real game-changer. 

Digital Integrated Task Force

Health data ecosystems for integrated care: A new blue ocean

This factsheet concentrates on how integrated care can exploit health data ecosystems to provide renewed value to patients and professionals. It offers a brief outline of what health data ecosystems are, how they can be built, and how they can underpin integrated care initiatives.

Deep diving into health data ecosystems for integrated care: sustainability and governance

This second Digital Integrated Care Taskforce (DICT) factsheet delves into the principles for developing health data ecosystems for integrated care in two different health systems: NHS Scotland and Israeli health care. 

Innovation Initiative Task Force

How hospitals at home can benefit from digital therapeutics

This factsheet concentrates on how hospitals at home can benefit from digital therapeutics. It offers a brief outline of what digital therapeutics are, how they can be used, and how artificial intelligence can underpin them.