Modernize the Healthcare System: Stewardship of a Strong Health Data Foundation

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research - Institute of Health Services and Policy Research (IHSPR) has published its Strategic Plan 2021-2026 (CIHR IHSPR 2021) and, as members of the Expert Advisory Group for a Pan-Canadian Health Data Strategy, we are providing commentary on the second strategic priority of IHSPR's Strategy related to health data and digital health. Systemic barriers have prevented the timely and effective collection, sharing and use of health data in Canada. Many of these systemic barriers relate to the fragmented health data foundation, lack of coordinated data governance and a risk-averse culture. As IHSPR mobilizes its strategic plan, it will be important to consider and address these factors head-on to contribute to a stronger health data foundation that would help achieve both IHSPR's strategic objectives and meaningfully contribute to elevating Canada's health data ecosystem.