Affiliations: [a] Department of Intelligent Systems Group of Johann Bernoulli Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Groningen, The Netherlands | [b] eHealth Lab, Department of Computer Science, University of Cyprus, Cyprus
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author: Eirini C. Schiza, Department of Intelligent Systems Group of Johan Bernouli Institute for Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Groningen, The Netherlands. %and the eHealth Lab in the Department of Computer Science, University of Cyprus, 1 University Avenue, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus. E-mail:ischiza@cs.ucy.ac.cy
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Medical practice and patient-doctor relationship will continue
improving while technology is integrated in our everyday life. In recent
years the term eHealth landmarked a new era with improved health provider's
skills and knowledge, and increased patient participation in medical care
activities. OBJECTIVE: To show why the design and implementation of a healthcare system
needs to follow a specific philosophy dictated by the level of eHealth
maturity of a country and its citizens. METHODS: Based on the maturity level, an adaptable framework for
implementing an Electronic Health System at national level is derived,
guided by the Patient Centered Philosophy as defined and introduced by the
EU directives. Implementation prerequisites are analyzed together with
guiding principles for identifying the maturity level of an organization or
country. RESULTS: Cyprus being a small EU country, it can be used as pilot site for
the whole Europe, was chosen for this study and its maturity level analysis
is presented. Recommendations that determine general steps needed to prepare
the ground for an adequate patient-centered national healthcare system are
accompanied. CONCLUSION: The implementation of an integrated Electronic Health Record at
National level, as a prerequisite for a patient-centered eHealth environment
is evidently demonstrated.
Keywords: Electronic Health Record (EHR), eHealth, Personalized Medicine, Patient-Centered Medicine
