eHealth-Platforms - The Case of Europe.

Platform approaches to improve interorganisational integration and eHealth innovation have gained a lot of attention. A variety of platform projects have been established in Europe. However, a systematic view is missing. Based on a multiple source analysis, this paper collects existing European eHealth-platforms and systematizes them with regard to their functional adjustment. We contribute by proving a functional cluster of platforms. The paper describes classification dimensions and identifies two general classes of platforms in the healthcare sector.

Conceptual Considerations on the Integration of Quality Indicators into Clinical Pathways.

Health care systems need to cope with continuous changes such as with the current trends towards pay-for-performance and value-based health care. In this context, the article aims at analysing the potentials of the integration and utilisation of quality indicators in clinical pathways. It comprises the first steps of a design-oriented research process, i.e. problem motivation and objective definition. Therefore, a conceptual framework for pathway-integrated quality indicators is proposed. Potentials of the approach are outlined in three use case scenarios. The analysis points out great potentials for quality management on institutional and network level and for bridging the gap between medical research and practice. Further research topics are derived and summarised in an agenda.

Towards lifetime electronic health record implementation.

Integrated care concepts can help to diminish demographic challenges. Hereof, the use of eHealth, esp. overarching electronic health records, is recognized as an efficient approach. The article aims at rigorously defining the concept of lifetime electronic health records (LEHRs) and the identification of core factors that need to be fulfilled in order to implement such. A literature review was conducted. Existing definitions were identified and relevant factors were categorized. The derived assessment categories are demonstrated by a case study on Germany. Seven dimensions to differentiate types of electronic health records were found. The analysis revealed, that culture, regulation, informational self-determination, incentives, compliance, ICT infrastructure and standards are important preconditions to successfully implement LEHRs. The article paves the way for LEHR implementation and therewith for integrated care. Besides the expected benefits of LEHRs, there are a number of ethical, legal and social concerns, which need to be balanced.