eHealth and ePsychiatry for Europe

Abstract

The use of the term ‘eHealth’ is gathering momentum across Europe as the wider implications of the health care reforms enabled by information technology become apparent. There is a growing realisation by both health care providers and consumers alike that change in the sector is now imperative and timely. Member states of the European Community are all facing an increase in the requirement for health care provision because of changing demography, in particular ageing populations. In the face of an increasing demand for services, the existing model for health care delivery is arguably inadequate. In many ways it is economically unsustainable, even by the wealthiest countries in Europe.