I-Government required by the EU : the case of primary health care in Malta

Abstract

eGovernment brought about more efficiency and effectiveness resulting in providing services more economically. However, the European Union (EU) envisages that this can be further improved by moving to iGovernment where there is better access to information and services, giving priority to citizens as users. This has to be achieved by introducing Information Communication Technology (ICT) systems that are integrated for all services provided, interoperable within and with other countries, especially Member States (MS), and interactive to respond immediately to the needs of stakeholders. In the essay the health scenario regarding Primary Health Care is studied to determine whether quick response and transparency is achieved through ICT systems and whether this is applicable for each health service provided. Online services have to be chosen to be of aid to patients applying for health services, to be of aid to professionals to deliver health services, and to be able to provide health education to professionals and the public. With this in mind and after going through several documents related to iGovernment up to the latest ones on 'Digital Agenda', research was carried out on related challenges and on what the EU seeks to achieve. This research was undertaken, by analysing the first three programmes regarding 'Action in the field of health', and the work plans for each year, in particular the one for 2006. The work plans, which addressed challenges identified, were analysed to determine which projects were introduced, what was continued in subsequent years and indications as to the way forward. These work plans demonstrate that the EU, which has a Health portal, supports such initiatives and projects through funding and by encouraging sharing of information and best practices, including those related to implementing the projects themselves. The research then continues by analysing the Primary Health Care (PHC) website to establish what information is available for current services delivered. Moreover a questionnaire was sent to Nursing Officers (NO) who manage health centres and deal with complaints from the public, to evaluate access for internal users and related external response. [...]