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Timm Intemann is a member of NFDI4Health and an expert in complex datasets in the healthcare sector. In this episode of the Digital Public Health Podcast, hosted by Rasmus Cloes from the Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology – BIPS, he explains what health data encompasses – from clinical and health insurance data to environmental and behavioural data. This wide range demonstrates how many factors influence our health and highlights the importance of comprehensive data collection.
Another key topic of the conversation is the challenges of data linkage in Germany. Intemann explains why Germany's federal system complicates the efficient use of health data. He compares this to Scandinavian countries, which benefit from central registers and citizen IDs, providing significantly better conditions for fast and data protection-compliant data linkage. These international models could offer valuable insights for the further development of Germany's research infrastructure.
The electronic health record (ePA) is now being rolled out nationwide. The podcast guest describes why the opt-out procedure could be a significant step forward, although it may take years before the ePA delivers its full benefits for research and can provide valuable data.
Artificial intelligence and big data offer new opportunities for research, especially in pattern recognition and predicting health outcomes. Intemann discusses the potential of these technologies to uncover unexplored relationships and improve healthcare. However, he also emphasises how important it is to use this data responsibly and avoid falling into the trap of unreflected data analysis.
The podcast episode concludes with visions for the future of health research. Intemann highlights that the ideal handling of health data is not only dependent on technology but also on clear legal frameworks and human collaboration in research.
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The Digital Public Health Podcast is a production of the Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology – BIPS, the Leibniz ScienceCampus Digital Public Health Bremen, and Health Sciences Bremen. Many thanks for the invitation – we were delighted to be part of it as NFDI4Health!
