title: eHealth in Europe: towards higher goals.
abstract: Significant events are unfolding in the field of eHealth in Europe. eHealth has been a strategic priority of the European Commission in both the eEurope 2002 and 2005 Action Plans. But how are developments on the national level progressing? The authors contrast the status-quo of eHealth in the EU-15 with the latest trends and key action priorities in the EU-25 after the Union's latest enlargement in May 2004. The initiatives and actions of the European Commission are presented vis-à-vis those of national Member States, particularly in terms of strategic priorities and implementation actions. The review is accompanied by an analysis of expert feedback on eHealth drivers and barriers.
authors.affiliation: Centre of Excellence for Information and Communication Technology (OSKE), Finland.
authors.forename: Persephone
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Doupi
authors.forename: Päivi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hämäläinen
authors.forename: Pekka
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ruotsalainen
mesh_terms: D016494:Computer Security; D003219:Confidentiality; D005060:Europe; D005062:European Union; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D020407:Internet; D008491:Medical Informatics Applications; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D010934:Planning Techniques; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards