As part of our #SmartHealthSystems study which examines the digital transformation of healthcare systems in 17 countries, we have visited five of these countries to take a closer look at what they have achieved. In each country, we have explored the political, cultural, technological and economic factors driving success as well the obstacles to advancing digitization strategies in healthcare. The findings of our cross-national study will be published in November 2018. Until then, we will be highlighting thought-provoking insights and best practices from other countries here in our blog.


Switzerland is on its way to implement the Electronic Dossier (EPD) for the hospital sector (see blog post). For patients and doctors the use of the EPD is voluntary. Dr. med. Yvonne Gilli, head of the digitization and E-Health Department at the Swiss Medical Association FMH (Foederatio Medicorum Helveticorum), tells us in a Skype-interview what the EPD can offer for patients and doctors. She emphasizes that digitization is a timely means, but not necessarily “a fairy that can grant wishes”. Interoperability, structured information and a new culture of communication are necessary to make the EPD more than just “a difficult-to-use library”.

 

The interview was recorded on 26 June 2018.

 


Follow us as we take a closer look at e-health developments in various countries for our study throughout the course of 2018.

We will publish the full results of our international study in November 2018. Until then, we will be highlighting thought-provoking insights and best practices from other countries here in our blog. If you are interested in keeping up-to-date with our latest analyses, we recommend that you sign up for our email newsletter: