Dr Laura Blackburn, Head of Policy, PHG Foundation, Cambridge, UK
The PROPHET project has gathered a wealth of information on evidence in personalised prevention and on strategies that could support implementation into healthcare systems. The challenge of ageing populations and increase in non-communicable diseases is well known, however a key question that arises is how we can support policy makers at the EU and national levels to turn ideas in personalised prevention into practical solutions. The policy brief outlines priorities for implementing personalised prevention in Europe, providing a focus for policy makers on key areas, and links to further information via the project’s toolbox.
We outline four priority areas, developed from the strategic research and innovation agenda, and roadmap:
- Establish evidence and assessment strategies for integration of personalised prevention in routine care, across the entire healthcare system
- Build and regulate interoperable and trusted data infrastructure, which meets appropriate ethical and legal safeguards
- Empower and engage citizens, professionals and policy makers, through education, training and citizen engagement
- Embed equitable and ethical healthcare access and citizen trust, including support for vulnerable and underserved populations.
None of these efforts should happen in isolation – PROPHET exists in a thriving ecosystem and we propose a connecting framework that strengthens existing initiatives. Significant investment has already been made in data infrastructures, for example the European Health Data Space. Existing initiatives, such as the Safe Hearts Plan, the Beating Cancer Plan, and the Healthier Together Initiative share aims and objectives with PROPHET. Taken together, we can ensure coherence between prevention ambitions and the governance, evidence, and infrastructure needed to deliver them, and meet our ambitious goals of significantly improving citizen and population health.
Discover the policy brief by clicking here.