Austria’s Path Toward Nationwide Electronic Health Records

W. Dorda; G. Duftschmid; L. Gerhold; W. Gall; J. Gambal

doi:10.3414/ME0401

Methods of Information in Medicine, Table of Contents

Methods Inf Med 2008; 47(02): 117-123
DOI: 10.3414/ME0401

Original Article

Schattauer GmbH

Austria’s Path Toward Nationwide Electronic Health Records

Authors

W. Dorda

¹Section of Medical Information and Retrieval Systems, Core Unit for Medical Statistics and Informatics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
G. Duftschmid

¹Section of Medical Information and Retrieval Systems, Core Unit for Medical Statistics and Informatics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
L. Gerhold

¹Section of Medical Information and Retrieval Systems, Core Unit for Medical Statistics and Informatics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
W. Gall

¹Section of Medical Information and Retrieval Systems, Core Unit for Medical Statistics and Informatics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
J. Gambal

²AustriaPro, Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, Vienna, Austria

Abstract

Summary

Objectives: This article discusses current planning activities in Austria after legislation has been passed to introduce the electronic health record (EHR).

Methods: After describing similar activities in several other countries, the authors explore the current situation of healthcare telematics and imminent steps toward the implementation of a lifelong EHR.

Results: Substantial efforts have been made to coordinate healthcare telematics in Austria since the mid-1990s. One result of these efforts was the definition of a framework for electronic data exchange. A number of standardization projects were also implemented. Major steps have been taken as part of an ongoing healthcare reform to promote the use of healthcare telematics. One important example is a national initiative whose objective is to implement the EHR. This initiative is extensively discussed along with other national activities related to healthcare telematics.

Conclusion: This EHR initiative has prepared the ground for extensive planning that is currently under way to implement a lifelong EHR in Austria on a national level. Introducing the EHR will have a strong impact on Austrian healthcare and should be performed in concert with international activities. The authors offer a number of practical recommendations for the implementation of an EHR on a national level.

Keywords

Medical record systems - computerized public health informatics - computer communication networks - standards

Full Text

References

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