eHealth in Europe - Status and Challenges

Abstract

Objectives: To present European reflections on the concept of eHealth and report challenges related to further development of eHealth in Europe. Methods: A survey with 10 questions was distributed to representatives of the national member associations of the European Federation of Medical Informatics (EFMI). The material was summarized using content analysis techniques, generalized and discussed. Results: The results document a shift from a focus on ICT-orientation to initiatives that will development of the entire health system where eHealth strategies, organizational change, and appropriate technological infrastructure are singled out as important aspects. Conclusion:There are urgent needs to discuss eHealth strategies and policies to contribute to capacity building necessary to deploy eHealth applications that support sociable services and innovations in health care. As a contribution, the EFMI community will utilize arenas for capacity building on the European level, and stimulate collaboration across national boarders and health systems.

A systematic review of reviews to identify key research opportunities within the field of eHealth implementation

“…The final key barrier to note from the literature is that of challenges that arise from within the local environment and challenges that affect different demographics. The analysed literature reveals that first-world citizens have comparatively more wealth and resultantly better education, 22 whereas the developing world is often faced with hurdles such as larger populations 37 and larger geographical areas to cover, 11,37 as well as slower internet adoption rates. In terms of population health, inequalities also exist between urban and rural areas in less developed countries.…”

“…In terms of population health, inequalities also exist between urban and rural areas in less developed countries. 11,37,38 However, a problem that exists globally is that even within regions, there can be challenges due to local organisational context. 6,15,37,39 Different hospitals and healthcare centres, for example, adopt and practice their own rules and regulations.…”

“…11,37,38 However, a problem that exists globally is that even within regions, there can be challenges due to local organisational context. 6,15,37,39 Different hospitals and healthcare centres, for example, adopt and practice their own rules and regulations. 11 These establishments are also tied to organisational bureaucracy, human resources, 6 various unconnected information and communications technology (ICT) systems and services 11 and organisational workflow support.…”

“…15 Not only will this help stakeholders to understand each other's viewpoints but it will also establish a shared platform. Within this category key areas of discussion and interest as stated in the literature include identifying funding and resourcing, 32 agreeing upon policy and practice, 7,32,37 establishing standardisation 7,19,32 and data sharing. Another area of interest is the research into improving and maximising access to healthcare data and relevant health information through online 41 and information technology (IT) services.…”

Discussing issues of health promotion and research in the context of primary care during the ongoing austerity period: an exploratory analysis from two regions in Greece

“…The current period is characterized as the era of e-applications aiming to improve the overall wellbeing of people. Therefore, the promotion of e-health supporting social service innovations in health care, relevant initiatives and appropriate resourcing and supporting structures is crucial, as it can increase the efficiency of the healthcare system and reduce costs [23,24]. Thus, it may be stated that it is imperative for any reform to focus on an integrated and modern system, including telemedicine services and use the new technologies available across the spectrum of PHC [25].…”