Telematics: Is It Really Time for E-Health?

At the kick-off of MEDICA MEDIA, the electronical patient card was a hot-button issue. The audience commented the statements of some speakers with critical interjections. Even a small demonstration took place. 18/11/2009

Opponents in the audience;
© Messe Düsseldorf

"It´s time for e-health." With these words, Mathias Redders, head of division of health economy and telematics in the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs of North Rhine-Westphalia, opened MEDICA MEDIA in the forenoon. Thus, he brought the topic “Telematics Infrastructure – How Can We Use It?” immediately to the controversial point.

Even though Redders highlighted that telematics is more than just the electronical health card, all speakers consistently returned to the issue. It was more secure than the old health insurance card which should not exist any longer, so they said. Data security could not be guaranteed with the old card, according to the speakers. The new electronical patient card, however, could live up to the expectations.

Whenever the different speakers addressed this subject, there was sporadic yet clear criticism coming from the audience. Two members of the German medical fraternity “Freie Ärzteschaft” vented their anger with posters and interjections. Sentences like “E-card: thanks, no!” or “We doctors at the basis do not accept the e-card” decorated the strikingly pink posters.

Mathias Redders knows these kinds of reactions very well. In his speech, he talks about the lack of acceptance among the physicians. Neither the e-card nor the electronic physician’s letter is received well. The voices in the audience prove him right.

„A poor presentation“, summarises Ingeborg Dorn-Schomburg, physician in Dusseldorf and one of the protesters with a poster. She is disappointed that there were only telematics supporters among the speakers. In her view, critical voices were completely missing. And in her opinion, the electronical patient card is neither secure nor of great value. “The card is only a recipe for malpractice. I think, telephone and fax are absolutely sufficient”, comments the committed physician.

Nadine Lormis
MEDICA.de