The preliminary findings, sent to the Commission in January 2008, also highlighted "inadequate financing for the whole eHealth investment life-cycle". Instead, "financing opportunities address a limited and often insufficient time period of the life-cycle," said the European Commission, commenting on the initial results.
"Financing ICT projects and ICT only does not deliver any benefits. We need to finance organisational change as well," explained Tom Jones, a member of the 'Financing eHealth' project's study team.
According to Jones, organisational change can be achieved by freeing up medical staff's time for eHealth purposes and training, as well as re-designing current working and clinical practices. Furthermore, "we need clinical executive leadership and effective engagement of doctors and nurses."
Regarding the eHealth investment life-cycle, Jones admitted that "the financing is often right at the beginning". He complained that "no long-term financial plan exists. Those involved think that 'just getting the thing started' is enough, whereas getting the thing through is far more important."
Jones conceded that changing eHealth financing was important, but insisted "financial change will not be enough. We need to convince the whole eHealth user chain of the benefits of eHealth."
The project's final report and results will be published in September 2008. It will provide specific recommendations on effective and efficient management of eHealth investment for both the Commission and EU member states to follow.
