Consultation Document on Developing National eHealth Interoperability Standards for Ireland

The Health Information and Quality Authority (the Authority) has commenced a process of national consultation on "Developing National eHealth Interoperability Standards for Ireland: A consultation document". A copy of the document can be found at: http://www.hiqa.ie/publications/developing-national-ehealth-interoperability-standards-ireland-consultation-document.

The aim of the consultation document is to set out the principles which will govern the Authority's approach to setting standards for the exchange of electronic health information within the broader context of eHealth.

eHealth is broadly defined as the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in healthcare to enhance the quality and safety of patient care. A vital enabler of eHealth is the availability of a set of technical standards to enable the safe and meaningful exchange of health information within and between healthcare providers, commonly referred to as interoperability.

In addition to a set of key principles which will guide the Authority's work in this area, a new eHealth Standards Advisory Group (eSAG) will be established. The scope of the eSAG will be focused primarily on technical standards specifically messaging and clinical terminology standards. The Authority would welcome the view of all stakeholders as to where technical standards are most urgently required and where therefore the work of the Authority and the eSAG should be targeted. This is your opportunity to participate in the important area of developing and prioritising eHealth interoperability standards in Ireland.

This work will ultimately drive improvements in data quality and work towards improving the quality of care for all those who use health and social care services. This consultation document outlines the importance of eHealth interoperability standards for all stakeholders and proposes an approach for Ireland led by the Authority. The recommendations are based on international evidence and on input from a number of workshops hosted by the Authority.

The Authority's consultation will run from Monday 12 December 2011 to Friday 27 January 2012. Comments can be submitted by downloading and completing the consultation feedback form, and e-mailing your completed forms to ehealthconsultation@hiqa.ie. Following the consultation, all submissions will be considered and used as appropriate to inform the work of the Authority and of the eSAG in the development of national standards for eHealth interoperability.

The closing date for receipt of comments is 1pm on Friday 27 January 2012.

For further information please email: ehealthconsultation@hiqa.ie or call Margaret Aydogdu on 01-814 7436