Better data for better healthcare
A new law is intended to promote the use of health data – including for research at Witten/Herdecke University.
On 15 July 2026, the Federal Cabinet approved the draft Act on the Promotion of Data and Digital Innovation in the Health Care System (GeDIG). The planned regulations are also relevant for researchers at Witten/Herdecke University – particularly where healthcare data is used.
The aim of the initiative is to integrate digital applications for insured persons and healthcare providers more closely into the healthcare system, whilst at the same time further expanding the use of health data for research, innovation and improved care.
Among other things, the GeDIG is intended to strengthen prevention through improved information channels, for example through simplified invitations to early detection programmes and early warnings about individual health risks. The remit of the Research Data Centre for Health (FDZ Gesundheit) is also to be expanded: In defined cases, healthcare providers will be able to use the FDZ to anonymously identify colleagues with similar clinical presentations. Health insurance funds are also to be given the opportunity to trial new data-driven procedures for a limited period in real-world laboratories.
At the same time, the implementation of the European Health Data Space (EHDS) is intended to establish a clear framework for the further use of health data from across the entire healthcare system in compliance with data protection regulations. Existing infrastructures, in particular the Data Access and Coordination Centre at the Federal Institute for Medicines and Medical Devices (BfArM), are to be expanded into a health data ecosystem compatible with European standards. Through the interaction of the electronic patient record (ePA) and the FDZ, key data can in future be made available in a manner compliant with the EHDS, thereby reducing the burden on healthcare providers and health insurance funds.
For research at the UW/H, this opens up new opportunities for projects based on real-world healthcare data.
Further information
Contact the Research Data Management team
Annette Strauch-Davey , M. A.
Staff member and Research Data Management representative
Faculty of Health | Research data management
Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50
58455 Witten