digitalization strategy

Cooperation and consensus building as key components of the Swedish e-health Vision 2025 – An interview with Erik Frisk on Digital Health in Sweden

In our #SmartHealthSystems study, we analyzed 17 countries on the state of digitization in healthcare. As our country report shows, Sweden is among those countries that decided very early on to adopt a strong comprehensive digitization strategy. Its systematic implementation has resulted in Sweden having one of the most advanced digital health systems. With its e-Health Vision 2025 Sweden aims at becoming the “best in the world at using the opportunities offered by digitization and eHealth”. In an interview, Erik Frisk, International Coordinator of the Swedish eHealth Agency (E-hälsomyndigheten), explains the importance of coordinating digital health efforts as well as of developing new digital health services. He underlines that cooperation and consensus building are key components for the implementation of Sweden’s e-Health Vision 2025.

Tried and tested: How other healthcare systems are shaping digital change – our Skype interviews at a glance

How can digitalisation succeed in the healthcare sector? What are key success factors and which hurdles need to be overcome? As part of our #SmartHealthSystems study, we spoke to several international experts about their experiences in a series of Skype interviews. The experts report on their practical experience and provide a variety of insights into aspects that are currently being discussed in Germany. Here is an overview of the conducted interviews.

“We need to discuss what we expect from a digital healthcare system” – an interview with Christiane Woopen

In which areas of healthcare are algorithms applied – both today and in the future? How can they improve medical care? And what are new challenges that arise from their implementation? On behalf of the Bertelsmann Stiftung, the research center ceres at the University of Cologne has carried out a review and analysis of algorithms in digital healthcare. In an interview, Prof. Christiane Woopen, head of the research group, explains where she sees the greatest disruptive potential in the use of algorithms in healthcare.With a view to the various opportunities and risks, the ethicist demands that we, as a society, have to discuss what price we want to pay for digital progress,  how we create trust and how we maintain solidarity in the healthcare system. In short, how do we want to shape digitalization in the healthcare system?

Consistent promotion of user acceptance as a key to success – A Skype interview with Jennifer Zelmer on Digital Health in Canada

In our #SmartHealthSystems study, we analyzed 17 countries on the state of digitalization in healthcare. In our specifically developed Digital Health Index, Canada earned an excellent second place. In our Skype interview, Dr. Jennifer Zelmer, President and CEO of the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement, explains that new e-health services will be successful if they address the needs of citizens and healthcare professionals and are perceived as valuable clinical support. In Canada, the acceptance of new technologies has been systematically promoted through targeted user involvement and various campaigns. For Zelmer, the resulting engagement of citizens and physicians constitutes a key factor for the successful digitization process in Canada.

The digital transformation in healthcare requires clear decision-making structures and the trust of citizens – A Skype interview with Madis Tiik on Digital Health in Estonia

In our #SmartHealthSystems study, we analyzed 17 countries on the state of digitization in health care. Estonia ranks first in our specifically developed Digital Health Index . As our country report shows, e-prescription and electronic patient files have been legally required in Estonia for a decade. Citizens can view their personal health data, find out about illnesses or book medical appointments online via the national health information portal. Since 2012, video consultations and telediagnostics are also permitted and integrated into outpatient care. In a Skype interview, Dr. Madis Tiik, family doctor and digital health expert, explains how Estonia has successfully accomplished digitization. The former CEO of the Estonian eHealth Foundation emphasizes the importance of clear competencies and a dedicated organization for the implementation of digital health processes. The trust of citizens thanks to transparency and a secure national infrastructure are further success factors, he points out.