11 - 13 May 2015, Riga, Latvia.President Toomas Hendrik Ilves will give a keynote presentation during the opening plenary at eHealth Week 2015 - the largest pan-European event in Europe dedicated to eHealth. The high-level panel of speakers will also include Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Vytenis Andriukaitis and Latvian Health Minister Dr. Guntis Belēvičs.
Healthcare is lagging behind in using IT-solutions
Commenting on the state of eHealth in Europe, President Ilves said that healthcare in Europe is lagging ten years behind when compared to other industries in implementing IT-solutions. He added: "We know, based on the example of many other services, that information technology applications may completely change and complement our current approach. By implementing different IT solutions for both preventive healthcare and treatment services, we also improve both the welfare of patients and the healthcare system in general."
Estonia has been one of the frontrunners in the implementation of eHealth in Europe. A survey by the European Commission on eHealth deployment in EU countries, published in 2014, shows that Estonia exceeds the average EU level by 40% when it comes to electronically sharing health information between hospital departments and other healthcare providers. Estonia is mainly distinguished by the most extensive use of e-prescriptions (100% coverage), and 63% of hospitals are making use of eHealth solutions.
eHealth Week 2015 - the largest pan-European event dedicated to eHealth
eHealth Week 2015 will be held from 11 - 13 May 2015 at the Ķīpsala International Exhibition Hall, Riga, Latvia, and will be attended by high-level government officials, healthcare and IT professionals and leaders and industry representatives from all over the world. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from global best practice examples of how technologies can increase efficiency in everyday healthcare delivery, improve medical treatment and save lives.
Examples of efficient use of IT solutions, arrangements for the procurement processes and potential financing models will be presented. Technology companies, in turn, will be able to acquaint representatives of the governments and health institutions with their solutions and meet high-level decision makers.
Christina Roosen, Vice-President HIMSS Europe, said: "Invitations have now officially gone out to all 28 EU Member States, so we are excited about the high-level networking opportunities this presents for all our attendees. The European Commission's mHealth Green Paper consultation results and how Big Data is improving care are just a few of the hottest eHealth topics to be addressed during our three day event in May. This really is the must-not-miss eHealth event of the year!"
Latvian IT cluster: This time the world is visiting us
The Executive Director of the Latvian IT cluster, Aiga Irmeja, said: "Participation in this event represents a unique opportunity for all Latvian IT companies developing eHealth solutions to demonstrate their performance to potential clients from throughout the world. Generally, participation in events of such a high level requires large investments, because the company must not only consider how to present itself, but also solve logistical issues when participating in exhibitions abroad. This time the world is visiting us, and it is an important gain for our industry." Within the scope of eHealth Week, a national stand of Latvia will also be established, and local IT companies will take part in seminars and conferences.
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About World of Health IT
The World Congress of Health IT Conference & Exhibition is the premier forum for the advancement of IT in healthcare in Europe. To address the needs of key stakeholders in the community of eHealth in Europe, The World of Health IT Conference & Exhibition offers professional development sessions, suppliers exhibitions, exchange of best practices, networking sessions and debates and discussions concerning the issues that will shape the future of eHealth.
About HIMSS
HIMSS is a cause-based, not-for-profit organization exclusively focused on providing global leadership for the optimal use of information technology (IT) and management systems for the betterment of healthcare. Founded 52 years ago, HIMSS and its related organizations are headquartered in Chicago with additional offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. HIMSS represents nearly 50,000 individual members, of which more than two thirds work in healthcare provider, governmental and not-for-profit organizations. HIMSS also includes over 570 corporate members and more than 225 not-for-profit partner organizations that share our mission of transforming healthcare through the effective use of information technology and management systems. HIMSS frames and leads healthcare practices and public policy through its content expertise, professional development, research initiatives, and media vehicles designed to promote information and management systems' contributions to improving the quality, safety, access, and cost-effectiveness of patient care.