The event’s eighth iteration again provided a stimulating platform for interdisciplinary discussion and showcased approaches to solutions for key challenges in three thematic blocks. The first focus was on healthcare provision until 2030: experts and healthcare professionals discussed the influence of AI and entrepreneurial thinking on security of supply. The second focus on healthcare system economics placed sustainable financing models and efficiency strategies front and center – with valuable input from Switzerland and Singapore. The final focus was on future medicine, where mental health and gender-specific medicine in particular were highlighted as essential developments. Alongside the plenary sessions, Swiss Post’s deep dive sessions offered valuable insights into specific areas.
Digital networking in the fourth stage of life: does the electronic patient record play a role?
Our session began with a brief presentation by Otto Bitterli, former CEO of health insurance company Sanitas and now a member of the Board of Directors at Helvetic Care (amongst other roles), who brought his many years of experience to the table. He introduced the topic of the fourth stage of life and spoke about demographic change in Switzerland, which not only comes with an increase in healthcare costs and services, but also results in other challenges in old age, such as financial concerns, mobility and digital competency. Even though the older generation is often seen as less digitally literate, it appears that the over-60s actively use digital services such as the Internet of things and wearables, and sometimes even spend several hours a day on their phones.
Current challenges of the EPR
The subsequent discussion with René Leuenberger, Head of Digital Health Solutions at Swiss Post, showed that the electronic patient record (EPR) currently faces several challenges, such as a lack of awareness and trust. Digitization may be very advanced in certain hospitals, but networking between different institutions and service providers is lacking for the most part. Additionally, the fact that participation in the EPR is voluntary means that important data, e.g. on medication, is frequently incomplete. While it is true that a comprehensive revision of the law on the EPR foresees a number of improvements, they will only come into force in 2028. This is why it is essential to start doing the groundwork for progress now. Swiss Post is leading the way by updating its technical infrastructure.
Overcoming challenges and a vision for the future
René Leuenberger stressed that the EPR already allows information to be exchanged across organizations. This means that it is already possible today to store and share vaccination data and patient decrees in the EPR, with other applications such as an electronic medication plan, electronic emergency passport and vaccination check set to follow – Swiss Post provides a secure infrastructure for this purpose. If healthcare professionals are able to access relevant medical information at any time, this increases treatment quality and public trust. A requirement for this is seamless integration of the EPR in hospitals, doctors’ surgeries and pharmacies. In René Leuenberger’s firm opinion: “This will make the EPR a practical companion in everyday life, allowing users to access all important health-related information.” The EPR is available and it works, and all residents can store their healthcare data in it and manage access. Otto Bitterli also emphasized that the EPR requires broad support and committed ambassadors. Clear storytelling should convey how data availability improves quality of treatment, and illustrate that everyone is firmly behind this progress.
