ACTIVITIES :: ICTs for Health :: Policy :: Action Plan
eHealth action plan - targets
The 2004 eHealth action plan set out targets for the years up to 2010. The Commission and Member States have committed to delivering these, and to date have been successful.
Amongst the targets already achieved, the Commission has created several fora to encourage sharing of good practice amongst peers from different countries, regions and organisations. National competence centres have been established in each Member State, and the main body set up to bring them together is the i2010 subgroup on eHealth, in which government representatives meet. The work of these policy-makers is complemented by the eHealth Stakeholders' Group, in which healthcare providers, their suppliers and users are able to share their ideas and concerns.
One focus of these exchanges has been to improve interoperability between eHealth services and tools. Following widespread consultations, the Commission has published a draft Recommendation on eHealth interoperability. The final version is expected to be issued mid 2008, and should be endorsed by ministers in the Council during 2008.
New technological applications often need new methods of assessment before Member States’ authorities can give the green light to their introduction into health service use. On the basis of best practices identified across Europe, all Member States should adopt procedures for testing and accreditation of eHealth tools and services by the end of 2007.
In 2008, the Commission’s focus will be on supporting the deployment of health information networks based on both fixed and wireless broadband, mobile infrastructures and grid technologies (a means of harnessing multiple computers in different locations to increase the power to tackle specific tasks).
The pan-EU electronic health insurance card should be available by 2008, enabling European citizens to prove their entitlement to treatment anywhere in the Union.
By the end of 2008, the majority of European health organisations and regions (communities, counties, districts) will be able to provide on-line services, such as tele-consultation, e-prescription, e-referral, tele-monitoring and tele-care.
By the end of 2009, the European Commission, in collaboration with Member States, has committed to tackle a set of challenges related to legal and regulatory issues which are hindering the development of eHealth. These include a common basis for qualifications for people who work in eHealth services throughout the EU, and new liability rules to cover eHealth products and services. Patients should be given better information concerning the costs of eHealth services. Healthcare organisations should make more use of eHealth to reduce accidents in the workplace and illnesses resulting from work.
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| Last update by the Editor (ehealth(AT)ec.europa.eu): 05/05/08 |
