eHealth in Europe - Status and Challenges

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To present European reflections on the concept of eHealth and emerging 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). RESULTS: The results document a shift from a constricting ICT-orientation to 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 ensure that eHealth strategies and policies for further design and deployment of eHealth applications support sociable services and innovations in health care.