Overcoming barriers to eHealth

eHealth can be defined as an umbrella covering all forms of innovation in the healthcare model using Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Therefore, eHealth solutions constitute medical devices such as infusion pumps and pacemakers, as well as services that can improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and management which use ICT.

The European Union has a responsibility to oversee the development and implementation of eHealth policies and actions. With the ever-greater migration of patients within the European single market, European institutions are stepping up to ensure that patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare are appropriately safeguarded. However, much stronger action by the EU is essential to ensure that the benefits of eHealth overcome the potential obstacles and in particular that patients receive safe, equitable and innovative healthcare.