JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Health systems generate large volumes of electronic health data through routine care, yet much of their potential value remains unrealized due to fragmentation, limited interoperability, and insufficient governance. The secondary use of health data has emerged as a key mechanism to support learning health systems, real-world evidence generation, and data-driven innovation.

Objective:

This Viewpoint aims to present secondary use of health data as a translational medical informatics capability embedded within institutional ecosystems, rather than as an isolated technical or regulatory process.

Methods:

Approach: Drawing on the experience of IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND and the University of Málaga, this article describes an integrated model that combines university–hospital collaboration, transversal data infrastructures, and health data science methodologies. The perspective is further contextualized through international collaboration and applied data science alliances discussed within the UNINOVIS ecosystem.

Results:

Insights: Secondary use becomes sustainable and scalable when supported by robust governance, interoperable infrastructure, and clinically meaningful analytics. Health data science methods—such as real-world evidence generation, patient stratification, and predictive modeling—enable translation from routine data to actionable knowledge, particularly in complex and chronic health conditions.

Conclusions:

Conclusions:

Health data reach their full value when embedded within trusted consortia that align governance, infrastructure, and analytics. Strategic alliances represent a critical pathway for transforming secondary use of health data into sustained clinical, scientific, and societal impact.