# Medical Imaging Data Calls for a Thoughtful and Collaborative Approach to Data Governance

## TL;DR

Medical imaging data is crucial for innovation, but its governance must balance privacy and scientific progress.

## Contribution

The paper advocates for a thoughtful, collaborative approach to medical imaging data governance.

## Key findings

- Restrictive data policies may hinder scientific innovation by limiting access to high-quality datasets.
- Lenient policies risk patient trust and misuse of sensitive medical information.
- Patients and healthcare organizations should consider key factors when deciding on data sharing.

## Abstract

The availability of medical imaging data is indispensable for medical advancements such as the development of new diagnostic tools, improved surgical navigation systems, and profiling for personalized medicine through imaging biomarkers. A central challenge in data governance is balancing the need to protect patient privacy with the necessity of promoting scientific innovation. Restrictive data governance policies could limit access to the large, high-quality datasets needed for such advancements. Conversely, lenient policies could compromise patient trust and lead to potential misuse of sensitive information. We call for a deliberate and well-considered approach to data governance, highlighting important factors that patients and healthcare organizations should consider when making imaging data governance decisions around data sharing.