E-health – use of information and communications technology (ICT) in Polish health care system

Introduction and objective The COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced the development of digitization of the healthcare sector and the implementation of e-Health solutions in Poland. The aim of the study was to analyze e-Health solutions implemented in the healthcare sector in Poland, with particular focus on nationwide system solutions. Review methods Data on e-Health solutions implemented in the Polish healthcare system during the period from 1 January – 31 March 2022 were collected and analyzed. The data was obtained based on analysis of legal acts (Acts and Regulations) and information published by the Ministry of Health, the National Health Fund, and the Polish e-Health Center. Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge Seven nationwide e-Health solutions implemented on the national level have been identified: Internet Patient Account (IKP), electronic prescription (e-prescription); dismissal (e-release), referral (e-referral), teleconsultation, information about treatment dates (e-queue), and electronic medical records (EDM). Five areas have been identified: 1) key functionalities of a given e-service; 2) previous functioning of the service before introduction of a given IT solution; 3) legislative and IT solutions enabling the implementation of a given e-service; 4) the scope of information contained in a given e-service; 5) the impact of a given e-service on the organization of the healthcare system from the perspective of the patient and the healthcare provider. Summary E-prescription and e-referral are among the most frequently used e-Health services in Poland. Despite significant development of e-Health services during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still many barriers that are delaying the development of digital health services, including technological debt, low expenditure on healthcare, and low level of digital competencies among older medical staff.