Interoperability

The strategic initiative i2010, which is an initiative for growth and employment, builds on information and communication technology policies, research and innovation to help achieve the goals of the Lisbon Strategy. The i2010 initiative promotes the building of European information society and encourages provision of better public services, including eHealth.

Resolving existing and future challenges to European healthcare systems is possible, at least partly, through deployment of proven information and communication technology-enabled solutions (eHealth). A major requirement to use benefits of eHealth is improved cooperation regarding interoperability of Member States’ eHealth systems and applications. Electronic health record systems form a fundamental part of eHealth systems.

Electronic health record systems have the potential to achieve greater quality and security in health information than the traditional forms of health records. Interoperability of electronic health record systems should make access easier, and enhance the quality and safety of patient care throughout the Community by providing patients and health professionals with relevant and up-to-date information while ensuring the highest standards of protection of personal data and confidentiality.

Enhancing cross-border cooperation in the domain of eHealth requires cooperation between providers, purchasers and regulators of healthcare services in different Member States. At the same time any measure relating to interoperability need not necessarily lead to the harmonisation of laws and regulations of the organization and delivery of healthcare in Member States.

Activities

Hospitals in the 27
EU Member States

Quality of care

Human resources

Public health

Hospital, health care
and internal market

e-Health
The role of IT
Interoperability

Cross-border
co-operation

Green hospitals

Networking