Updated: Feb 1, 97
TELECARE

Inventory of the use of Telematics in the EC

Project value: 150 KECU EC contribution: 150 KECU No of partners: 1 No of countries: 5 Duration: 12 months

Contact Silvio Martins Baltazar IGIF, Health Ministry Portugal Av Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro 87, 4° P-1000 Lisboa, Portugal Tel.: +351-1-726.96.95 Fax: +351-1-726.49.19

This study on the use of telematics in two European countries, was done with an unbiased statistical methodology (random selection of medical doctors). It was performed, as a pilot in order to test the methodology and to identify difficulties prior to extension to other countries. The objectives of the project were to assess the use of telematics by doctors, health authorities and health institutions. A survey was launched, and personal interviews with opinion leaders were performed in France and Germany. The conclusions were that the usage (doctors) is still very low (in Germany about 4%), and mainly related to administrative aspects. In their opinion, the advantage of telematics lies in the rapid communication and permanent availability of information. The main reasons for the non-usage of telematics by health care professionals, are related with the cost of the equipment, lack of need, and insufficient training. The experience of the Minitel in France is clearly very important and deserves a more detailed analysis. Health authorities use telematics mainly for administrative purposes. Several projects are underway to integrate the transmission of data, specially to the insurance sector.

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