The strategic role of ICT in healthcare National strategies and micro-level implementations in Europe and Bulgaria Alexander Dobrev Communication & Technology Research Bonn / Germany

Bulgarian National eHealth Conference, Sofia, 17 June Contents 1.The big promise: benefits from eHealth 2.The big drive: strategies and solutions 3.The big challenge: better patient care through sustainable benefit realisation

Bulgarian National eHealth Conference, Sofia, 17 June eHealth‘s supporting position Source: Financing eHealth study; © empirica/TanJent 2006

Bulgarian National eHealth Conference, Sofia, 17 June The position of sustainable eHealth Source: Financing eHealth study; © empirica/TanJent 2006

Bulgarian National eHealth Conference, Sofia, 17 June The big promise: Benefits from eHealth

Bulgarian National eHealth Conference, Sofia, 17 June Benefits to healthcare Quality: –Better informed citizens and carers –Information designed to streamline healthcare processes –Improved timeliness of care –Patient safety - risk management –Improved effectiveness of care service Access: spatial, social inclusion, other barriers Overall economic efficiency

Bulgarian National eHealth Conference, Sofia, 17 June The potential of eHealth A virtual health economy Source: empirica, eHealth IMPACT, 2006; Base: 10 proven case studies analysed by the eHealth IMPACT study

Bulgarian National eHealth Conference, Sofia, 17 June Why eHealth? Source: empirica, Pilot on eHealth Indicators, GP Survey 2007 Base: GPs using computers.

Bulgarian National eHealth Conference, Sofia, 17 June The big drive: Strategies and solutions

Bulgarian National eHealth Conference, Sofia, 17 June Focus of activities in Europe Virtually all Member States have eHealth strategies –EU-level activities have an initiating role Electronic health records – 25 out of the 32 countries Interoperability – implicit; 1/3 of country fact sheets Mobility of patients and health professionals – addressed indirectly Legislation and regulations –data protection –confidentiality and telecommunications –digital signatures –medical device liability Assessment of the impact of eHealth investments – in 6 countries, including Bulgaria Source: empirica, eHealth ERA, 2007

Bulgarian National eHealth Conference, Sofia, 17 June Priorities for the future Electronic health records – 15 of 32 countries National health information (infrastructure) systems – 13 of 32 ePrescribing – 12 of 32 Supporting – between 6 and 10 of 32 initiatives : –eCards –Interoperability and standards –Legal framework Lower on the list: –Training and education –Public health solutions Source: empirica, eHealth ERA, 2007

Bulgarian National eHealth Conference, Sofia, 17 June Deployment of ICT in primary care Source: empirica, Pilot on eHealth Indicators, GP Survey 2007; in % Base: All GPs

Bulgarian National eHealth Conference, Sofia, 17 June Connectivity (I) Source: empirica, Pilot on eHealth Indicators, GP Survey 2007; in % Base: All GPs

Bulgarian National eHealth Conference, Sofia, 17 June Connectivity (II) Source: empirica, Pilot on eHealth Indicators, GP Survey 2007; in % Base: All GPs

Bulgarian National eHealth Conference, Sofia, 17 June Next step: GPs exchanging data Source: empirica, Pilot on eHealth Indicators, GP Survey 2007

Bulgarian National eHealth Conference, Sofia, 17 June The big challenge: Better patient care through sustainable benefit realisation

Bulgarian National eHealth Conference, Sofia, 17 June Integration of eHealth into strategic contexts! Real knowledge of users’ and organisations’ needs Clarity about functionality, usability and links to benefits A viable, financed business case for all Change management ensuring eHealth utilisation Risk assessment and mitigation; cautious optimism Focus on optimising the costs and benefits relationship over time Financial returns have to be managed carefully – there is little extra cash in eHealth!

Bulgarian National eHealth Conference, Sofia, 17 June eHealth‘s supporting position Source: Financing eHealth study; © empirica/TanJent 2006

Bulgarian National eHealth Conference, Sofia, 17 June The position of sustainable eHealth Source: Financing eHealth study; © empirica/TanJent 2006

Bulgarian National eHealth Conference, Sofia, 17 June Thank you for your attention Further information: empirica Communication & Technology Research Oxfordstr. 2, Bonn, Germany Tel: +49 (0) Fax: +49 (0)