Purpose of consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide technical expertise in developing a health information data-sharing policy for the Jordan Ministry of Health.

2. Background

A data-sharing policy defines the guidelines and procedures for responsible and secure data exchange within an organization or between organizations. A health data-sharing policy can effectively direct the implementation of health information sharing through digital solutions, while ensuring security, privacy, and adherence to legal and ethical standards.

This policy will guarantee the availability of reliable and relevant health information, enabling evidence-based decision-making for efficient resource allocation and improved quality of health services in the country. It will empower healthcare managers at all levels to recognize their specific responsibilities in achieving national objectives and to utilize HIS to track their progress.

Implementing this policy is part of the Ministry of Health’s efforts to strengthen its information systems and advance the digitalization of health information.

3. Work to be performed

Output 1: A comprehensive gap analysis of the current situation in Jordan will document the opportunities and challenges in health data sharing, whether through paper-based or digital solutions.

Deliverable 1.1: Submit A situation analysis report (in Arabic) that would include:

· Reviewing legislation, laws, regulations, and instructions related to data sharing, privacy, confidentiality, security, and data storage. Conducting an in-depth documentation of the current state of digital health (DH) data sharing in Jordan focusing on security, privacy and storage. This will include an overview of initiatives, stakeholders, priorities, needs, challenges, and potential solutions.

· Creating a comprehensive list of digital health stakeholders in Jordan, including a brief on their anticipated roles in supporting health data sharing.

· Conducting interviews with identified stakeholders to gather their feedback on the development of health information data-sharing policy.

· Issuing a Gap Analysis Report.

Output 2: Develop a health information-sharing policy framework that encompasses, but is not limited to, the following components, and present it to key stakeholders while integrating their feedback:

Deliverable 2.1: Draft health information data sharing policy framework (in Arabic)

This will be based on the results of various preparatory activities, including gap analysis and coordination with different stakeholders. It will also encompass:

· Objective: Define the purpose and scope of the policy, such as enhancing efficiency, improving patient care, or facilitating research through secure data sharing.

· Stakeholders: Identify all stakeholders involved, including healthcare providers, IT departments, data scientists, legal advisors, and patients.

· Legal and Ethical Considerations: Compare data sharing compliance with local and international data protection laws, as well as with countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region that have successfully implemented data sharing. Additionally, address ethical concerns related to patient consent, data anonymization, and data security within the context of Jordan.

· Principles for data sharing:

§ Privacy and Confidentiality: Protect patient privacy and maintain confidentiality of health information in compliance with the Jordanian data protection laws.

§ Security: Implement robust security measures to safeguard health data from unauthorized access, breaches, or misuse.

§ Interoperability: Ensure systems and protocols support seamless interoperability to facilitate data exchange among different healthcare providers.

§ Patient Consent: Obtain informed consent from patients for the collection, use, and sharing of their health information, with clear mechanisms for managing consent preferences.

· Data Sharing Guidelines:

§ Authorized Access: Only authorized healthcare professionals and entities should have access to patient health information, based on the principle of least privilege.

§ Data Quality: Ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of health information shared to support informed decision-making.

§ Purpose Limitation: Limit the use and sharing of health information to purposes directly related to patient care, public health, research, or as authorized by law.

· Technical Standards: Define technical standards and protocols for data exchange, including encryption, authentication, and audit trails, to ensure data integrity and security during transmission and storage.

· Governance and Oversight: Establish governance structures to oversee implementation, compliance monitoring, and periodic review of the policy. Additionally, provide mechanisms for addressing complaints, disputes, and breaches related to health information data sharing.

Deliverables:

· Framework for data sharing policy, Privacy and Security

· Issuing draft legislation to address weaknesses in implementing health data sharing, privacy, confidentiality, and storage

· Presentation PowerPoint to be used in high-level meetings

4. Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: Master’s degree in Information Technology, Health Informatics, Digital Health, Computer Sciences, or related sciences.

Experience:

Essential:

· At least 7 years of professional experience in digital health/e-health, and knowledge management in Jordan

· Familiarity with data sharing standards, laws and policies, interoperability standards at national and international levels, and electronic medical records for health data exchange in Jordan.

Skills/Technical skills and knowledge:

Ability to interact with and provide advice to senior-level national health authorities

High-level communication skills

Excellent writing skills in English / Arabic

Languages and level required:
Expert level in English and Arabic