Strategic Intelligence Monitor on Personal Health Systems, Phase 2 - Citizens and ICT for Health in 14 European Countries: Results from an Online Panel

Abstract

The Citizen Panel Survey carried out in SIMPHS2 to better assess users and patients' needs and expectations with regard to ICT for health, directly supports the objectives of the Digital Agenda in the area of eHealth which are to both cope with societal challenges and create opportunities for innovation and economic growth by reducing health inequalities, promoting active and healthy ageing and increasing empowerment. It also contributes to the goals of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Aging which addresses the societal challenge of an ageing population focusing on the main areas of life events (Prevention, Care and cure and Independent living) with the following expected results: - An improvement of the health status and quality of life of Europeans, especially older people; - An improvement of the sustainability and efficiency of health and social care systems; - Boosted EU competitiveness through an improved business environment for innovation. In this policy context the analysis of users' demand undertaken through the SIMPHS2 Citizen panel survey aims to: - develop typologies of digital healthcare users and measure the impact of ICT and the Internet on health status, health care demand and health management. - identify factors that can enhance or inhibit the role and use of Personal Health Systems from a citizen' s perspective with special emphasis on mHealth, RMT, disease management, Telecare, Telemedicine and Wellness. To reach these objectives, we started by defining a theoretical framework for policy-making, which was used to design and gather relevant information. A multivariate statistical analysis was subsequently carried out to identify the underlying conceptual dimensions emerging from the data collected. Key relationships between concepts (underlying dimensions) were identified to understand ICT for Health as a complex ecosystem. We concluded with some lessons learned.