Electronic collection of health data improves accessibility for citizens and aids policy decisionmaking

Image courtesy Ministry of Health, Türkiye

Policy approach(es) used to catalyse investment: Development of a national, regional, or sectoral InfraTech strategy 

Technology approach(es) used to catalyse investment: Implementation of a data platform or digital twin for greater transparency over performance; a change in data standards/architecture; implementation of cybersecurity or improved privacy measures 

Finance approach(es) used to catalyse investment: Public investment

The e-Nabiz system was developed under the General Directorate of Health Information Systems of the Ministry of Health, Türkiye with the objective to create an integrated system for the electronic collection of citizens' health data produced by health institutions. Health records created by the Health Information Management System (SBYS) software, which are used by health institutions, are sent to the e-Nabiz system in the form of an electronic health record. Health records are verified according to the business rules and stored in the e-Nabiz system, without personal data. The collected health records are used to produce statistical reports, and health data are shared according to the rules determined with the integrated systems/projects. 

Citizens can access all of their health information using e-Nabiz at any time by logging into the system with their web browser, or via the mobile application installed on their mobile devices. 

Images courtesy Ministry of Health, Türkiye

Using the SINA platform (Health Statistics and Causal Analysis), the collected health data (without personal data) are analysed, compared, and evaluated in multiple dimensions to support effective decisionmaking and inform public health policy.  

Through the health digital ecosystem, which also includes e-Nabiz, the COVID-19 pandemic was fully managed digitally in Türkiye, from contact case tracking to the vaccination process. Medical records were transmitted by health institutions to the e-Nabiz system instantly, enabling quick and informed policy decisionmaking that positively affected public health during the pandemic process, both through applications within the ministry and integrations with different institutions. 

Challenges experienced/overcome in implementation

During implementation of e-Nabiz, active trainings were organised. The positive reaction of the Ministry staff, health personnel, and patients of the digital system was vital to the success. The difficulties that arose were resolved through the information activities carried out in the post-launch process.

Images courtesy Ministry of Health, Türkiye

Information technology management, which plays a prominent role in the efficiency of e-Nabiz service provision, has been managed in such a way as to safeguard the privacy of individuals in accordance with the relevant legal obligations, using modern technologies and, in this context, making efficient use of human and material resources. Through cooperation with the Ministry’s technology partner, actual or potential risks that could affect the operability of e-Nabiz were revealed, and effective risk management was implemented by taking technical and administrative measures against these anticipated risks.

Other approaches that enabled investment

As part of the e-Nabiz system development process, benchmarking and studies were conducted to ensure active integration of applications. Active coordination with health institutions ensured direct integration of the Health Information Management Systems (SBYS), which provides field data to e-Nabiz. In this sense, coordinated work was carried out between the central and sub levels.

The functionalities of e-Nabiz mean that health information can be recorded and shared when needed, repetitive analysis practices and other such practices are avoided, and savings are made in health expenses. According to the protocol signed between the Ministry of Health and the Social Security Institution (SGK) in 2019, a mutual verification of data was made between the e-Nabiz system and the SGK MEDULA system. Billing of information on services, drugs, and equipment not sent to the e-Nabiz system is prevented. This integration contributes in important ways to the projection of future health care expenditure and the prevention of current unnecessary expenditure. The integration of e-Nabiz MEDULA has so far saved approximately TRY10 billion.

Note: This case study and all information within was submitted by the Ministry of Health, Türkiye in response to our global call for InfraTech case studies.