Today a newly redesigned website for IHE-Europe opens a window on the accelerating movement to electronic records across Europe, giving a new visibility to successful programs. The website at www.ihe-europe.net features links to five pan-European initiatives, nine national programs, and highlights success stories from regional implementations.
A fresh yet simple design and easy-to-use navigation increases access to a rich resource of information for eHealth stakeholders. A home page link, for example, quickly connects users and vendors of health information systems to the upcoming Connectathon in Pisa, Italy, a landmark event for European eHealth. The role of IHE-Europe in promoting greater interoperability among healthcare systems is profiled in six languages.
A new feature of the IHE-Europe website is "EU Projects," a section devoted to the growing number of programs for coordinating and harmonising electronic health practices. A regularly updated "News and Press" section offers feature articles, press releases and a link to news on HealthTech Wire.
"E-health is now moving closer to patients and the new website helps to inform a wider audience, encouraging them to join the movement and help shape the future of patient care," said Jacqueline Surugue and Peter Kuenecke, User and Vendor co-chairs for IHE-Europe.
With its Digital Agenda, the European Commission has embraced eHealth as a means to increase the productivity and efficiency of health systems among the Member States. The development of both hardware and software for healthcare information systems, as well as supporting services are expected to contribute significantly to economic growth in Europe.
Dedicated to interoperability in health information technology, IHE-Europe actively promotes education and application of methods to assure the seamless flow of health information within and between the different healthcare systems across Europe.
Both the websites for IHE-Europe and Connectathon 2011, developed in collaboration with the Italian design firm CentoCento, are part of this communication effort to increase awareness of the benefits eHealth brings to both patients and healthcare providers.
According to Harm-Jan Wessels, chair of IHE-Europe’s Marketing Communications Committee, “the website is the result of a collaborative effort of eHealth experts from the various IHE national initiatives across Europe. This cooperation towards the common goal of eHealth interoperability is the foundation for IHE’s international impact and success.”
IHE-Europe is the European organisation of the international IHE organisation. ‘Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise’ (IHE) is a joint initiative of healthcare professionals and industry to improve the way computer systems in healthcare share information. IHE promotes the coordinated use of established standards such as HL7, DICOM, and XML to address specific clinical needs in support of optimal patient care. Systems developed in accordance with IHE specifications communicate with one another better, are easier to implement, and enable care providers and patients to use information more effectively.
Press contact:
Marie-Astrid Libert, IHE-Europe coordinator
Tel: +32 (0) 2 706 89 65, coordinator@ihe-europe.net
Sign up feature for press releases
For press questions please contact:
Kathryn Sheridan
COCIR Communications Advisor
00 32 (0) 496 116198
press@cocir.org