The results of the report are multifaceted: the public is positive about digitization, regulatory initiatives such as the DigiSanté federal initiative are taking effect, and regional clusters in Zurich and Basel are promoting innovation. At the same time, Switzerland is lagging behind by international standards. “Many healthcare professionals feel uncertain about using new technology and mention complex data protection requirements as well as a lack of compatibility between systems,” say the authors of the study, who call for a coordinated networking strategy. The aim is to ensure patient-centered care with clear standards, international interfaces and targeted promotion of innovation.
EPR as a foundation
The Digital Health Report refers to the electronic patient record (EPR) as a cornerstone for national cooperation between healthcare professionals. René Leuenberger, Head of Digital Health Solutions at Swiss Post, also writes about the future of the EPR in his guest article: “Only through the interoperability of the various systems can the EPR become an indispensable information hub in the healthcare system. With an integrated EPR solution in hospitals, practices and pharmacies, all relevant health data – from diagnoses and medication to test results – can be connected in a secure and structured manner.”
According to a survey in the Digital Health Report, 91 percent of those surveyed are in favour of the EPR. However, further steps are needed to realize its full potential. René Leuenberger emphasizes that, in addition to interoperability, a wider rollout – particularly among outpatient service providers – and the expansion of functionalities are also crucial levers for the success of the EPR. You can find more information on the EPR vision on our specialist website: Electronic patient record (EPR) | Swiss Post
Medical practices are lagging behind when it comes to digitization
The Digital Health Report takes a close look at the digital fitness of individual stakeholder groups: while hospitals, health insurance providers and parts of the pharmaceutical industry are technically well positioned, pharmacies, care-at-home organizations and medical practices are lagging behind in particular.
Pascal Brack, Head of IT Services Digital Health at Swiss Post, portrays a similar picture in his guest article on digital transformation in medical practices: “While hospitals have their own IT departments, outpatient medical practices face particular challenges. In addition to medical care, they also have to meet growing demands for high-performance IT infrastructure – whether in terms of data security, device management or the integration of new digital services.”
For this reason, Swiss Post is working with partners to offer the Time4Patient all-in solution. This includes all IT services from a single source and equips medical practices for future digital connections in the healthcare sector.
You can download the Digital Health Report 2025/2026 here: The Digital Health Report 2025/2026 – Medizinisch Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG
