Introduction

Electronic records, faster and more precise diagnostics, new technologies helping people get better. There is no doubt that the future of hospitals is digital. Digitalisation is fuelled by rapid technological progress and almost everyone with a smartphone is already able to consult their health condition with a “pocket” doctor. However, every change is difficult, especially when large amounts of people, sensitive data and challenges are involved. The digitalisation of healthcare is one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century. Thus, successful encompassment of this shift requires an open mind, well-considered regulation and cooperation between the private and public sector.

Hospitals create the backbone of the healthcare system. It is a place where healthcare professionals manage complex processes in order to help patients to stay healthy and enjoy life. Patients expect to get the best service there as hospitals possess the personal and material capacities needed, but in order to receive the best care possible, there is a vast amount of data that needs to be handled. An important step towards better and more connected healthcare is therefore creating electronic patient records (EPR).

In Switzerland, this application is to be introduced nationwide from 2020 and is regarded as the key to the digital transformation of hospitals, doctors’ surgeries, retirement and nursing homes, Spitex organisations, pharmacies and therapists.

So far, Basel has been the pioneer of these developments in which the entire university hospital intends to introduce the EPR in the course of the year. Electronic records will bring effi ciency, both in time and resources, and create a connected system that all doctors and healthcare professionals will be able to access to ensure personalised and best possible care for every patient treated.

For example, IT penetration in Thun Hospital has already progressed so far that doctors can access the electronic patient record anytime and from anywhere – even in the operating room. There, the surgeon can display important data, such as product information on implants. There is also software already supported by artificial intelligence that provides surgeons with important information step by step during operations, thus reducing the risk. Automated drug dispensing can also prevent human error and increase patient safety.

When talking about digitalisation, data security is always an important topic. That is why accessibility of EPR will be up to patients. Patients can define the access to each individual document and choose between the three confidentiality levels “normal access”, “restricted access” and “secret”. Although in 2017, U.S. News and World Report ranked Switzerland’s public health system as the ‘World’s Best’ with an overall score of 9.3 out of 10, Switzerland is still at the midway towards digitalised healthcare. There are countries that invest heavily in this field and with great benefits. The frontrunner – Denmark – has invested in this particular eff ort for two decades now. The result? According to a study by the Danish Ministry of Health, today 99% of all prescriptions are sent electronically to pharmacies, and 98% of general practitioners exchange diagnostic data digitally or receive laboratory data from hospitals this way. Likewise, 97% of all hospital referrals and referrals to specialists or psychologists are made electronically.