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In a recent development, the Green Party in Germany has called for swift action from Federal Minister of Health, Nina Warken, to expedite and improve the implementation of the 'End of Paperwork' Electronic Patient Records (ePA) system. The ePA system, set to automatically provide electronic patient records to over 73 million individuals with statutory health insurance from January 2025, aims to revolutionise Germany's healthcare sector.
The ePA system, integrated into Germany's telematics infrastructure, boasts high security with end-to-end encryption and data storage on servers located within Germany, under strict European data protection regulations. This move towards digital healthcare is further supported by the Health Data Use Act (GDNG), effective since March 2024, which facilitates the use of electronic patient records and other health data for research and development.
However, concerns have been raised about the slow progress and digital healthcare modernization. According to the Greens, less than three percent of the 70 million electronic patient records created since the April launch have been used in practice, highlighting the need for immediate action. The Greens advocate for rapid digital health integration to enhance patient care efficiency, data interoperability, and transparency.
The Green Party health expert, Janosch Dahmen, has emphasised the need for clear regulation in practices and clinics regarding access to electronic patient records. He also demands that insured persons should have control over who can access their data, and that access to electronic patient records should be restricted to directly involved parties, with every access documented.
The Greens believe that the protection of sensitive data is crucial for the successful implementation of electronic patient records. They argue that the law passed by the traffic light coalition provides the foundation for secure and patient-friendly use of electronic patient records. However, they criticise that the promised applications such as lab results, doctor's letters, or vaccination records have not been implemented yet.
The Greens stress the importance of the new Federal Minister of Health ensuring the consistent implementation of the regulations for secure and patient-friendly use of electronic patient records. They argue that the slow introduction of electronic patient records could lead to a failure of the digitalization project, potentially resulting in lost lives due to the low level of digitalization in the healthcare system.
The call for swift action reflects ongoing debates about ensuring Germany meets its goals for comprehensive and secure digital patient records as a foundation for modern healthcare delivery. The new Federal Minister of Health is expected to fulfil the promise of secure and patient-friendly use with consistent implementation, according to the Greens.
The Greens advocate for the swift implementation of clear community policies regarding access to electronic patient records, enforcing control for insured individuals over their data and restricting access to directly involved parties. To enhance the success of the 'End of Paperwork' Electronic Patient Records (ePA) system, the Greens propose increased investment in vocational training for healthcare professionals and technology specialists, ensuring a smooth transition to digital health practices.
