For several years, the Autonomous City of Andalusia has made significant progress in the insertion of technologies into the healthcare environment. As the objective is to improve the healthcare service, over the years concepts related to telemedicine, electronic health records and portability via mobile applications are becoming more and more relevant to both patients and professionals.
The 4th Andalusian Health Plan (PAS), which was approved in October 2013 by the Council of Government, has declared that a key part of reducing inequality and providing the same level of care to every citizen involves managing knowledge and incorporating ICTs. A schedule running between 2013 and 2020 has been set to achieve these goals.
Maria José Sánchez Rubio, Councilor for Equality, Health and Social Policies in Andalusia, stated: “PAS is a guarantee of equality, wellbeing and social justice.”
What role is there for e-Health in the Andalucian Health System (SSPA)?
The 4th Health Plan seeks to enhance the role of the SSPA as a leader in the generation of knowledge, technological development and healthcare innovation. The main objective is to ensure that healthcare services are within the reach of all the municipalities of the Autonomous Community of Andalusia.
In this environment, telemedicine, mobile applications and remote diagnosis can become keys to prevention, promotion and protection in healthcare.
Currently, the citizens of Andalusia have a point of reference when it comes to downloading mobile applications: the insignia “App Saludable” (Healthy App), which marks out apps that have been approved by the Agency of Healthcare Quality.
A view of the future
In addition to analyzing the progress made in recent years, the new SSPA report offers predictions for trends in the use of healthcare services:
– In 2015, healthcare services will offer complete access to telephonic devices.
– To reduce demand on in-person consults, it will be vital to develop multi-channel tools and platforms that allow a new form of communication between patients and professionals.
– Solutions that will facilitate early detection of diseases may be acquired.
– In Primary Care, needs will become more qualitative than quantitative.
Click here to read the 4th Andalusian Health Plan.
