📌 Système National des Données de Santé (SNDS) – France 🇫🇷

🔍 What is it?

The Système National des Données de Santé (SNDS) is France’s national health data system, integrating administrative and medical claims data for nearly the entire French population. It provides comprehensive real-world data (RWD) for epidemiological, health economics, and pharmacoepidemiology research.

📊 Key Features & Scope

📍 Geographical coverage: France 🇫🇷
🏥 Data type: Claims and administrative health records
🕒 Time coverage: Since 2006, with historical hospital data available since 1997
👥 Population covered: ~99% of the French population (~67 million people)
🔄 Longitudinal data: Individual-level follow-up over time
📈 Pathologies: Covers a wide range of conditions, including chronic diseases, rare diseases, and medication use patterns

✅ Strengths & Best Use Cases

🌍 Near-universal coverage – Captures nearly all residents, making it one of the most comprehensive health databases in Europe
💊 Drug exposure & healthcare utilization – Includes prescriptions, dispensations, hospitalizations, and procedures
📈 Longitudinal tracking – Enables long-term patient follow-up
🚀 Epidemiology & health economics – Suitable for disease burden analysis, cost studies, and healthcare system evaluation

⚠️ Limitations & Considerations

🏥 No direct clinical data – Lacks biological test results and physician notes
📉 Limited primary care details – Data on general practitioner (GP) visits are claims-based, not full EHRs

📚 How to Access & Learn More

🔗 Access: Requires research authorization from the French data protection agency (CNIL) via the Health Data Hub
🎓 Publications: here
📄 More info: here