People-centred

Statement

Cross-border health information services are designed around the needs of people (patients, their caregivers and health professionals), regardless of the country they are in.

Rationale

Cross-border care exists for people who move or are referred: migrant workers, students, visitors and patients treated abroad. Services only work if people trust, understand and can use them. People-centred design is also a core objective of the WHO global digital health strategy (WHO 2021).

Implications

• People can see their own cross-border health data and who has accessed it, and can add to it where national law allows.
• Consent and preferences are recorded once and respected across borders.
• Services are accessible and inclusive, including for people with limited digital skills or connectivity.
• Information is offered in the person's language where possible (e.g. English, Spanish, French, Dutch, Papiamento, Kreyòl).
• Professionals receive the relevant information within their existing workflow, without extra logins or re-entering data.

References: Sigra 2025; EU 2025; EC 2017; WHO 2021; Nictiz & The Open Group 2023.