Description (short summary):
This special issue of the "European Files" reflects the diversity of people involved in developing eHealth and integrating it to healthcare policies. Mobilising all these people and coordinating their actions, at a regional, national and European level, is essential in order for eHealth to realise its potential. The introduction of ICTs in the healthcare field is giving rise to many expectations and questions which are discussed in this issue.

• Expectations: facing the demographic challenge, the possibility to ensure better follow-up for elderly people, generally suffering from chronic diseases, and reducing costs (costs for chronic diseases represent some 60% of total healthcare expenses); to reinforce patient safety, to guarantee healthcare professionals access to patient information, anywhere in Europe; to offer preventive and proactive medical devices; to facilitate personalized treatment and therefore improve its impact; to give patients an active part in managing their healthcare.

• Questions: Will ICTs help protect medical data or on the contrary, by increasing information and service mobility, make it more vulnerable? Do any eHealth evaluation methods exist so we can first focus on the eHealth services with biggest added value? What legislations are further needed for developing eHealth? What new responsibilities are healthcare professionals faced with? Can eHealth be one of the 'locomotives' taking us out of the financial crises?

The issue's editorial, by Mr. Gérard Comyn, head of the ICT for Health unit of the European Commission is entitled "eHealth: a solution for European healthcare systems?".

Number of pages: 49