Introduction
The need for this standard arises from disparities in digital health autonomy, which impede the widespread adoption of digital health technologies. Prioritizing inclusivity and transparency in Artificial Intelligence (AI) utilization is crucial to overcoming these barriers. Addressing these challenges requires establishing foundational capabilities, such as data-connected innovation, to advance patient-centered knowledge while mitigating risks. Leveraging telehealth can provide shareable data that reflects quality care, while fostering inclusive, community-driven initiatives empowers users from diverse backgrounds.
Despite the promising opportunities presented by the expanding global market for telehealth and medical devices, the lack of widely adopted technology standards for data repurposing/recycling poses significant challenges. These challenges include issues related to privacy protection and data quality, which impact various aspects of healthcare, including clinical trials, regulatory processes, and the development and validation of digital health interventions and AI applications.
History
This work began in Q4-2022 as part of the Industry Connection Program on Transforming the Telehealth Paradigm: Sustainable Connectivity, Accessibility, Privacy, and Security for All, and is progressing. In November 2023 the Study Group on Secure, Compliant, Coordinated and Inclusive Healthcare Data Recycling (SCCI-HDR) was formed and had its first meeting to draft a Project Approval Request (PAR) for submission to the EMB Society’s Standards Committee (EMB/Stds Com) for approval and submission to the IEEE Standards Association’s Standards Board. The PAR was approved by the IEEE New Standards Committee (NesCom) on 6th of June 2024. We are currently in the process of establishing the P3493.1 Working Group for the Cancer Use Case. We are still recruiting new members to the project; see the section on membership below. We are planning the project based on the IEEE SA standard 36-month timeline. The expected date of submission of the standard draft for initial IEEE Standards Association ballot is October 2027. The projected completion date for submittal to the IEEE SA Standards Review Committee (RevCom) is October 2028.
Members
The P3493.1 working group members are members of the original SCCI-HDR Study Group and additional members are being recruited. If you are interested in working on the project, please get in touch with the Chair (see the homepage) and provide your CV and a brief statement including your affiliation, i.e., your employer or academic institution, and your interest in the project.