FAQs
Whether you are a patient or a healthcare professional, this page will explain what Digital for Care 2030 means for you and how it will improve access to care, make services more efficient, and align with national and EU goals. Explore the FAQs to learn more.
What is Digital for Care 2030?
Digital for Care 2030 is a plan to improve healthcare in Ireland using digital tools. It will help healthcare professionals and patients by making services easier to use and access online.
What will Digital for Care 2030 mean for patients?
For patients, Digital for Care 2030 means quicker access to health information, more care from home, and better ways to manage health through apps and online services.
What will Digital for Care 2030 mean for staff?
For healthcare staff, Digital for Care 2030 will provide better technology to help them do their jobs. It will make record-keeping faster, improve communication, and let staff focus more on patients.
How does Digital for Care 2030 align with EU requirements?
Digital for Care 2030 will align with Government’s “Harnessing Digital” and EU ambitions under the EU Digital Decade to provide patients with access to digital health records by 2030.
When will the Health app be available?
The Health app will be available by the end of 2024. We’ll update everyone when it’s available to download.
What is an Electronic Health Record?
An Electronic Health Record (EHR) is a digital version of a person’s medical records that previously were paper based. It keeps track of all the care a person receives from different doctors and health workers. EHR systems help healthcare workers record, update, and find patient information quickly and easily. This allows doctors and nurses in Ireland to share important patient details, helping them give better care.
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth is when doctors and patients are not in the same place, but still connect using technology. This can be done by phone, computer, or other devices to share information. Telehealth helps doctors diagnose, treat, and care for people from a distance. In Ireland, telehealth is used for online doctor visits, checking patients' health from home, and providing online support and therapies.
What are Virtual Wards?
A Virtual Ward is an option for some patients to receive the care they need at home instead of in hospital. Virtual Wards support patients to receive care, monitoring and treatment in their own home. This is possible because of technology. You will stay under the care of the hospital team while you are a patient in a Virtual Ward.
What about the ICCMS Programme?
It was agreed at Governance levels in September 2024 that the ICCMS Programme would not be proceeding in its originally intended format. The work that had been completed during it’s time will be utilised to inform the new National Electronic Health Record (EHR) programme. This transition is aligned with the HSE’s broader strategy to deliver integrated care and standardisation across all health regions.
Where can I find out more about Digital for Care 2030 programmes?
You can learn more about our programmes by visiting the Programmes in Focus section of our website.
How do I get involved?
To get involved, look for event updates on our website or contact us on digitalforcare@hse.ie