Health Information Portal - One-stop-shop for health information

Abstract

Abstract Background A vast amount of health information in the form of data sources, experts, research networks, and tools related to collection, use and knowledge transfer of health information exists in EU Member States (MSs) but this information is scattered around and often difficult to find. Researchers and policy makers don't have a centralized place where information could be easily obtained. This hampers effective use of existing information and materials for research and evidence informed policy making. Methods There is a need for a centralized place where different components of health information can be easily found. Information should be described in structured, standardized format to allow comparisons and searchability. Results InfAct and PHIRI have established the Health Information Portal (HIP, healthinformationportal.eu), a one-stop-shop for health information. This portal brings together health information from different EU MSs and research networks and projects as well as from international organizations. HIP has catalogues on health information data sources, research networks, national nodes, health information initiatives and projects, health information related publications and guidelines including legal and ethical guidelines, and available capacity building activities. These catalogues are searchable and support open and fair access to the health information. Conclusions The Health Information Portal will facilitate secondary use of existing health information data for research and evidence informed policy making. Through HIP, researchers can find experts from different domains of health information as well as existing tools for data collection, analysis and knowledge transfer. It also facilitates health information capacity building within the EU. Aim is to support a more effective, also more cost-effective, health research environment which can enhance population health and healthcare in the EU, and through that productivity and European economy.