Brussels, 12/04/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 12 April, the European Commission launched a public consultation on how widespread benefits to the quality and efficiency of healthcare by applying information and communication technologies (ICT) (so-called “eHealth”) can be delivered. Neelie Kroes, European Commissioner for the Digital Agenda, said: “At a time when individuals and governments need to watch every euro, eHealth can help to improve the efficiency of healthcare systems and boost the economy as well as empowering patients”.
The Commission is inviting all interested parties, including healthcare professionals and patients, to give their feedback on the main benefits of eHealth, the main barriers preventing large-scale deployment, and the action the European Commission should take to overcome them. In addition, stakeholders can provide their views on the best ways to improve interoperability, on how the Commission should address legal issues related to eHealth and on the best ways to support innovation in this sector. The forthcoming 2012-2020 eHealth Action Plan will be an opportunity to build on the actions of the first such action plan, which was launched in 2004. It will aim to take these actions a step further and provide a longer-term vision for eHealth in Europe, in the context of the Digital Agenda for Europe as well as the Innovation Union and European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing. The answers to the questionnaire will also help the Commission assess whether its proposed policy objectives are technically viable, workable in practice and in line with the expectations of stakeholders. The public consultation is open until 25 May. (I.L./transl.fl)