Introduction
PROREC (PROmotion strategy for
European electronic health RECords) was a project of the IV
Framework Programme of the European Commission which resulted
in the establishment of a small number of national ProRec centres.
This has been followed by a further initiative called WideNet
in the V Framework Programme aimed at establishing a wider network
of national ProRec centres. This includes ProRec Ireland.
Communication
of data between health care institutions and professionals is
an essential component of modern healthcare delivery. Better integration
among the different healthcare providers is critical for achieving
the level of quality and continuity that European citizens increasingly
expect. Efficient exchange of information is the key element for
managing resources, evaluating quality, and raising cost-effectiveness.
It is commonly recognised that Information Technology is essential
to providing such data, and the use of standards-based Electronic
Health Records (EHR's) is crucial for this interoperation.
The
implementation of Standardised Electronic Health Records
is central to healthcare information systems. The EHR is the
nucleus of the relationship between the patient, the healthcare
delivery system and all its professionals. The EHR is in fact
the core of the new generation of Health Information Systems.
We must also look ahead to the time when systems and networks
are called upon to share records information with other systems
and networks.
The
most critical factor is the availability of both clinical and
administrative patient information through available, secure and
easily usable EHR's. The most critical factor is the lack of standards,
especially in the the interoperability domain. Several solutions
have been consolidated and are now available from CEN, ISO and
HL7. The technical problems are solved, or on their way to being
solved, and effort is now required in explaining and disseminating
these quite technical standards. Indeed, this is not an easy task
since the target of these standards are developers/ suppliers,
but the incentive to use them has to come from end-users and national
agencies. No isolated initiative either led by users or by public
authorities or indeed by suppliers/developers is likely to result
in a successful solution that is widely accepted. A concerted
approach involving all stakeholders is required and national ProRec
centres aim to promote and support such an approach.
HISI 16th Annual Conference (2011)
The 16th Annual Conference and Scientific Symposium, Ireland's premier healthcare informatics event will take place on the 16th - 17th November 2011 in the Stillorgan Park Hotel, Stillorgan Road, Co. Dublin.
This year's HISI Conference and Scientific Symposium will reflect current developments in healthcare computing, associated technologies and communications infrastructures within Ireland and in the wider international context.
This conference is recognised for providing a significant contribution to the development and understanding of information and its associated technologies in the delivery of healthcare. It is the focal point for those interested in Healthcare Informatics in Ireland to network with their peers and learn about the latest developments in Healthcare ICT. As HISI has members in the sections of the Irish Computer Society (ICS) and the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland (RAMI) the conference also crosses all boundaries of clinical, paramedical, management, administration and IT technical groups.
Papers and Poster Presentations of either a general or specialised nature will be considered. Guidelines for submissions can be found on www.hisi.ie.
Enquiries are also currently being taken for Exhibition and Sponsorship opportunities during the conference. If you or your organisation would like to be involved, please contact Chris Nolan on cris@ics.ie.
