Proposal for an eHealth Based Ecosystem Serving National Healthcare

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Informatics
• Health Policy

Background:

• European Union (EU) member states prioritize citizen health and well-being through coordinated actions and eHealth technologies.
• Common EU values include universal access to quality healthcare, equity, and solidarity, necessitating policy alignment and cross-border healthcare facilitation.
• Diverse national healthcare systems require a standardized framework to address gaps and promote integrated health services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To articulate a framework for a national healthcare system centered on interoperable Electronic Health Records (EHRs).
• To enable quadruple helix-driven research and development (R&D) while safeguarding healthcare quality.
• To propose a methodology for developing an integrated national EHR system as a prerequisite for eHealth adoption.

Main Methods:

• Development of a national healthcare system framework based on interoperable EHRs.
• Proposal of a methodology for integrated national EHR development, considering managerial, legal, technical, and financial aspects.
• Demonstration of the methodology using a small country's example, mobilizing diverse stakeholders.

Main Results:

• A framework for an open-access, patient-centered national healthcare system is presented.
• The proposed methodology integrates EHRs to enhance healthcare quality and facilitate R&D.
• Stakeholder mobilization and incentivization strategies are outlined for successful implementation.

Conclusions:

• An integrated national EHR system is crucial for advancing eHealth and achieving EU healthcare goals.
• The proposed patient-centered framework supports quality healthcare, equitable access, and collaborative R&D.
• The methodology offers adaptable lessons for other countries developing national healthcare systems.