Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare > Volume 14, Number 7 > Pp. 359-362

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RESEARCH Original articles

Standardization, innovation and deployment of electronic referral software in Norway

Vigdis Heimly ^*  

^* Department of Computer and Information Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim; Norwegian Centre for Informatics in Health and Social Care, Trondheim, Norway

Correspondence: V Heimly, University of Science and Technology, Department of Computer and Information Science, Sem Sælands vei 7-9, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway (Fax: +47 7359 8611; Email: vigdis.heimly{at}idi.ntnu.no)

The introduction of electronic referrals in Norway started in 1996, when the first standard for an electronic referral was developed. Subsequent implementations of electronic health record (EHR) systems have been tested by a national testing and approval service. Almost all the Norwegian EHR systems comply with the recommended standards, but the volume of electronic referrals remains low: only 8200 referrals were sent electronically in September 2007. In comparison, 125,000 electronic discharge summaries were sent during the same month. There are four elements that need to be in place before smooth communication can occur between the EHRs of the hospitals and the general practitioners. First, the regional health authorities must have a strategy for electronic cooperation. Second, various technical problems must be solved. Third, certain organizational problems must be addressed. Finally, electronic referrals should be used to support enhanced work processes and joint reception for referrals should be considered at larger hospitals.

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