ICT Frame Supporting Continuity of Care towards Increased Quality of Healthcare Services

Abstract The paper is reviewing several technical solutions supporting seamless care, focused on homecare and continuity of care. The comparison is made exploring mainly the technical solution, but also end users benefits (patients, healthcare providers), number of participants and structure of the consortium developing the project, budget, and duration. A good healthcare strategy is built around the principle of citizen-centred, seamless service structures. Among the main targets are: the horizontal integration of services (social, primary and secondary care) and the development of shared, coordinated services delivered closer to home. In modern societies citizens and patients are envisioned as informed and participative agents in the healthcare delivery process. To realise this vision, the use of ICT is essential. A technical model and the structure of the teams that can develop such applications paving the way towards regional level service provision and improvement is suggested.