HIMSS EMEA responds to the European Commission draft recommendation on eHealth interoperability
BRUSSELS, Belgium (10 September 2007) - On Monday 10 September, HIMSS EMEA delivered a response to the European Commission draft recommendation on eHealth interoperability.
The Health Care Information and Management Systems Society in Europe, Middle East and Africa began by applauding the European Commission’s decision to address a wide range of issues within this important subject, including political, legal, and organisational issues, as well as the technological aspects of interoperability.
Input in galvanising a response came from a number of preeminent sources, focused through the HIMSS EMEA Governing Council and Global Task Force bodies. Particular attention was paid to the certification of EHR Systems and eHealth practitioners – areas in which the organisation already plays an important role in advancing provisions for healthcare professionals and all related stakeholders.
Noting that there is still a significant lack of a publicly recognised competency to practice for eHealth professionals in the European Union, HIMSS EMEA encouraged the European Union to draw upon established experiences of regulating mutual recognition of qualifications in healthcare and move towards an EU-wide system of eHealth qualification recognition.
The response marks an increasing level of activity from the society to promote the effective application of information and management systems to improve the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of patient care within the EMEA region.