Integration of Informatic and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the EU national health systems: status and trends

Correspondence: Prof. J. C Healy DG INFSO C4 eHealth European Commission B-1000 Brussels e-mail: Jean-claude.healy@cec.eu.int Since the last 15 years the European Union, as a component of the successive framework research programs, supported Research and Development (R&D) activities in the domain of ICT for health. In total around 500 M Euros were allocated and more than 500 cost-shared projects funded. Gradually the paradigms moved from the “computer for doctors” during the second half of the 80’s, towards “networks for Healthcare professionals” during the 90s, followed by ICT for solving the “demands of the users” during the second half of the 90’s and more recently (2000) ICT as response to the “societal health challenges”.