Rays of Knowledge at #ECR2026 — Are We Ready for the European Health Data Space (#EHDS)?
This week I attended the #ECR2026 conference for the very first time. Thousands of healthcare professionals gathering to learn, exchange ideas, and shape the future of radiology — the energy was truly vibrant.
This year’s theme, “Rays of Knowledge,” drew inspiration from classical Greek and Roman times. A fitting metaphor — because knowledge only creates impact when it is shared.
Together with Carla, Marc, Adrian and Luis, we explored what the EHDS Regulation will mean in practice. Not in abstract policy terms — but for healthcare professionals, for radiologists. For daily clinical work.
Carla Meeuwis introduced the EHDS basics and the 6 priority data categories:
• Patient Summaries
• ePrescriptions
• eDispensations
• Medical Test Results
• Medical Imaging Studies and Reports
• Discharge Reports
Greater transparency and patient access might mean more questions from patients — and possibly more requests for corrections. Are we prepared for that shift?
An important contribution to the EHDS was made by CPME (Standing Committee of European Doctors), advocating for user-friendly EHR systems. Because compliance alone is not enough — systems must support professionals, not burden them.
From policy to implementation:
I had the honor to share the Xt-EHR project activities; together with representatives from 27 EU Member States and Norway we are drafting the European Electronic Health Record Exchange Format (EEHRxF) for these six priority categories.
When developing European specifications for sharing medical imaging studies and reports, we must integrate all perspectives: clinical practice, industry, policymakers, and standards organisations.
We build on existing implementations and work toward harmonised, supported specifications that EHR vendors can implement across Europe.
Marc Kämmerer, Dr. med. highlighted the collaboration between IHE-Europe and HL7-Europe — essential to provide the standards that will make EHDS operational and achievable for EHR manufacturers.
The timeline is clear
By 2031, Member States and EHR systems must be ready to securely exchange medical images — nationally and across borders.
The primary aim?
Ensuring that imaging studies and reports are accessible to both healthcare professionals and patients — wherever they are in the EU.
Luis Marti-Bonmati closed the session by emphasising the enormous opportunities for research and innovation enabled by the EHDS framework for secondary use of data. At the same time, he reminded us: high-quality data is essential.
EHDS is not just about compliance.
It is about:
• Empowering patients
• Improving diagnosis and treatment
• Supporting prevention
• Enabling research at scale
• Having the right information available at the right moment
What questions does EHDS raise for you in your daily practice?
#EHDS #Radiology #DigitalHealth #Interoperability #EEHRxF
Nictiz Constantinos S. Pattichis Anne Nahm
