Austria's path toward nationwide electronic health records.

OBJECTIVES This article discusses current planning activities in Austria after legislation has been passed to introduce the electronic health record (EHR). METHODS After describing similar activities in several other countries, the authors explore the current situation of healthcare telematics and imminent steps toward the implementation of a lifelong EHR. RESULTS Substantial efforts have been made to coordinate healthcare telematics in Austria since the mid-1990s. One result of these efforts was the definition of a framework for electronic data exchange. A number of standardization projects were also implemented. Major steps have been taken as part of an ongoing healthcare reform to promote the use of healthcare telematics. One important example is a national initiative whose objective is to implement the EHR. This initiative is extensively discussed along with other national activities related to healthcare telematics. CONCLUSION This EHR initiative has prepared the ground for extensive planning that is currently under way to implement a lifelong EHR in Austria on a national level. Introducing the EHR will have a strong impact on Austrian healthcare and should be performed in concert with international activities. The authors offer a number of practical recommendations for the implementation of an EHR on a national level.