A WHO study examines eHealth strategies across nine OECD countries, highlighting Australia and Estonia’s detailed plans, while Sweden and Catalonia’s strategies lack comprehensive follow-up processes.
Strategic Leaders and Implementation Gaps
The comprehensive analysis reveals that Australia and Estonia lead in eHealth strategy development, with the most detailed implementation frameworks including clear tasks, responsibilities, and timelines [1]. These nations demonstrate exemplary approaches to digital healthcare transformation, while countries like Sweden and Catalonia show notable gaps, particularly in their follow-up processes [1][2]. The WHO defines eHealth as ‘the cost-effective and secure use of information and communications technologies in support of health and health-related fields’ [1], setting a standard that many nations are striving to achieve.
Stakeholder Engagement Variations
The study highlights significant variations in stakeholder involvement across different health systems. Finland demonstrates exceptional engagement with approximately 6,000 participants in strategy development, while the US Veterans Affairs system involved around 150 individuals [1]. These disparities in stakeholder engagement reflect different approaches to strategy development, with some systems prioritizing broad consultation while others opt for more focused expert input [1]. Norway has implemented a particularly robust approach, utilizing a national council model for ongoing monitoring and evaluation [1].
Digital Vision and Implementation
Only five of the nine health systems explicitly define clear visions for their eHealth strategies [1]. Australia’s vision emphasizes ‘an inclusive, sustainable and healthier future’ through digital enablement, while Finland focuses on ‘building a digital foundation for healthcare and social welfare services’ [1]. Denmark’s strategy notably emphasizes creating ‘a coherent and trustworthy health network’ that balances digital and personal care [1]. The implementation approaches vary significantly, with some systems demonstrating more comprehensive integration with national policies [1].
Future Implications and Recommendations
The study’s findings emphasize the need for more detailed implementation frameworks and robust follow-up mechanisms across all health systems [1]. Decision-makers are advised to prioritize clear vision statements, structured evaluation mechanisms, and comprehensive stakeholder involvement in future eHealth strategy development [1]. Current research indicates that eHealth implementations face ongoing challenges, particularly in achieving full integration and user adoption [5], suggesting a need for continued focus on practical implementation strategies and outcome measurement.