Information technology strategies for health and social care in Norway.
OBJECTIVE
Provide an introduction to national IT strategies for the health and social sectors, and point out major challenges for the future of eHealth and Telemedicine in Norway.


METHODS
The information provided in this article is based on reviews of national strategies and plans, and contact with projects and users in the health and social sectors.


CONCLUSIONS
IT in health and social services has the potential to improve welfare, while simultaneously improving the efficiency of the systems. IT in home- and community-care will provide the users with better services closer to home in the coming years. National strategies and action plans are important, but the funding necessary for the recommended actions must also be provided. Organisational issues are important.
Bergstrøm
Roald
R
Norwegian Centre for Health Informatics, KITH, Trondheim, Norway. roald.bergstrom@kith.no
Heimly
Vigdis
V
D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008490:Medical Informatics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008491:Medical Informatics Applications; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009664:Norway; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000458:organization & administration