The European Commission (EC) launched its Digital Agenda for Europe on May 19, an ambitious action plan designed to spread the benefits of digital communication to European Union residents.
The agenda includes a pilot program designed to provide secure online access to medical health data so that the information can be shared with healthcare treatment providers located in any country. The delivery date to provide universal medical record access is targeted between 2015 and 2020, according to a report accompanying the announcement.
Calendar year 2012 is the target date to provide what the EC defines as "a minimum" of health information to be included on electronic medical records that can be accessed throughout the European Union. An eHealth Lead Market Initiative will promote standardization, interoperability testing, and certification of electronic health records and equipment.
The report noted that new telemedicine services, such as online medical consultations, improved emergency care, and portable devices allowing the monitoring of people suffering from chronic disease and disabilities, have the potential to offer a freedom of movement that these individuals previously have not had.
Use of IT-delivered ambient assisted living technologies will also be supported. A program involving telecare and online support for social services is proposed, so that "the digital society permits a more independent and dignified life for people who are frail or suffer from chronic conditions and for persons with disabilities."
The digital agenda also outlines a plan to provide effective interoperability between information technology and services, and to bring basic broadband telecommunication services to all Europeans by 2013. The report may be accessed by clicking here.
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EU tackles legal issues of e-health, teleradiology, March 6, 2010
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