Finland moves forward with e-patient journal:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Finland's aim to introduce a national electronic patient journal by the end of 2007 last week took a step forward when the working group, appointed by the ministry of social affairs and health to oversee its introduction, handed in its strategy report to health and social services minister Liisa Hyssala. The report contains details of the journal's structure, data transmission standards, and principles for data protection as required by the health service. Once the system has been fully introduced, doctors will be able to access patient treatment records from different healthcare institutions, provided they have gained the patient's prior consent. The health ministry also hopes that the journal will promote integrated care and improve the speed and efficiency of treatment.