"Recent research activitiesin Europe: Supporting the evolution of healthcare"

Abstract

For almost two decades now, significant and systematic support has been given to research activities in the domain of ehealth through the framework Programmes of the European Commission. This investment has helped the deployment of ehealth infrastructure, tools and services like regional health networks, electronic prescriptions and electronic health records in primary care. Research activities in ehealth in Europe continue under the latest 7 th Research framework programme (FP7), with increased budgetary support. Their aim is to help healthcare delivery systems cope with the pressure and challenges which arise from several factors such as the demographic change and the prevalence of chronic diseases. Two main directions of research refer to the domains of ldquopersonal health systemsrdquo and ldquovirtual physiological humanrdquo. The speech will outline the activities in these domains and how these contribute to the vision of ldquoperson-centricrdquo care, meaning: 1. empowerment of individuals to manage their health conditions and lifestyles 2. development of personalised solutions for efficient treatment or management of chronic diseases, early diagnosis and prevention, as well as prediction of onset of diseases.