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. 2024 Oct;56(10):102904.
doi: 10.1016/j.aprim.2024.102904. Epub 2024 Apr 30.

Strengthening primary health care in Europe with digital solutions

Jordi Piera-Jiménez  1 , Toni Dedeu  2 , Claudia Pagliari  3 , Tatjana Trupec  4
Affiliations

Strengthening primary health care in Europe with digital solutions

Jordi Piera-Jiménez et al. Aten Primaria. 2024 Oct.

Abstract
in English, Spanish

This article provides an in-depth analysis of digital transformation in European primary healthcare (PHC). It assesses the impact of digital technology on healthcare delivery and management, highlighting variations in digital maturity across Europe. It emphasizes the significance of digital tools, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, in enhancing accessibility and efficiency in healthcare. It discusses the integration of telehealth, remote monitoring, and e-health solutions, showcasing their role in patient empowerment and proactive care. Examples are included from various countries, such as Greece's ePrescription system, Lithuania's adoption of remote consultations, Spain's use of risk stratification solutions, and the Netherlands' advanced use of telemonitoring solutions, to illustrate the diverse implementation of digital solutions in PHC. The article offers insights into the challenges and opportunities of embedding digital technologies into a multidisciplinary healthcare framework, pointing towards future directions for PHC in Europe.

Este artículo proporciona un análisis profundo de la transformación digital en la atención primaria (AP) en Europa. Evalúa el impacto de la tecnología digital en la provisión y en la gestión de la atención sanitaria, destacando las variaciones en la madurez digital en el contexto europeo. Enfatiza la importancia de las herramientas digitales, especialmente durante la pandemia causada por la COVID-19, para mejorar la accesibilidad y la eficiencia en la atención sanitaria. Se discute la integración de la telemedicina, la monitorización remota y las soluciones de e-salud, mostrando su papel en el empoderamiento del paciente y el cuidado proactivo. Se incluyen ejemplos de varios países, como el sistema de prescripción electrónica de Grecia, la adopción de consultas remotas en Lituania, el uso de soluciones de estratificación de riesgo poblacional en España y el uso avanzado de soluciones de telemonitorización en los Países Bajos, para ilustrar la diversa implementación de soluciones digitales en AP. El artículo ofrece perspectivas sobre los desafíos y las oportunidades de incorporar tecnologías digitales en un marco de atención sanitaria multidisciplinario, apuntando hacia futuras direcciones para la AP en Europa.

Keywords: Atención primaria; COVID-19 healthcare response; Digital health; Primary care; Respuesta sanitaria COVID-19; Salud digital; Telehealth; Telesalud.

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References

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