Finally, everything digital? The electronic patient file promises better care and important research data - a breakthrough or another unused offer? Host Rasmus Cloes discussed this with Sabrina Jacob, head of the TK state office in Bremen. A conversation about digital opportunities, data protection and the future of healthcare.
The electronic patient file (ePA) is being introduced in Germany and is intended to serve both individual patients and healthcare research. Sabrina Jacob from the Techniker Krankenkasse explains the practical advantages of the ePA, such as access to all relevant medical records in one place, which should avoid duplicate examinations and improve care overall.
An important topic in the conversation is data protection. Sabrina explains how securely the data is stored in the EPR and what measures have been taken to close possible security gaps. She emphasizes that despite existing challenges, basic security standards are ensured.
She also talks about the potential of the EPR for health services research. The data collected could enable medical research to make great strides and develop personalized therapeutic approaches. She explains which applications in medical practice could be improved or even made possible by the EPR.
A central question in the podcast is whether the introduction of the EPR actually represents a digital revolution or rather a first important step on the road to comprehensive digitalization of the healthcare system. Sabrina emphasizes the importance of a step-by-step approach that makes it possible to learn from practice and continuously improve the product.
Finally, they discuss the challenges that still need to be overcome to make the EHR usable across the board – from technical hurdles to the question of how less tech-savvy or older people can be integrated into the digital transformation. Sabrina also outlines a vision for the future in which digital tools like the EHR could play a central role in a more efficient and patient-friendly healthcare system.
