No Big Bang EHR for Denmark
Denmark is adopting a gradual approach to implementing EHR, based on regional programmes, according to the country’s IT strategy for healthcare recently unveiled by the Danish Health Ministry and the five Danish Regions
The strategy will rely on manageable projects, with local and regional agencies playing a decisive role in developments. Strengthening cooperation between all healthcare players is heavily emphasised in the new strategy.
“The strategy is ambitious in its objective of digitalizing health services” says Bent Hansen, Chairman of the Danish Regions. “I am glad that we are emphasising that. At the same time there is a sensible focus on step-by-step development instead of a large ‘big bang’ programme.”
“It also means that we can test out new ideas on a small scale and derive valuable experience so the systems we implement are proven and yet we can stay on the cutting edge of technological development”, adds Hansen.
The strategy runs until 2012 and covers the whole health service – both public and private hospitals, general practice doctors, hospital specialists and home care.
The aim of the new strategy is for a comprehensive electronic patient record to be available to clinicians and other health workers, country-wide. The new strategy also aims to provide patients with greater access to health promotional and management information to allow them to better manage their own health.
