This study addresses the issue of operational interoperability within the Polish e-health system, focusing on the functioning of the Central e-Registration (CeR) system. The author notes that while Poland possesses a well-developed digital healthcare infrastructure, the mere formal connection of facilities to the system does not guarantee efficient, real-time data exchange. Persistent challenges include delays in synchronizing appointment schedules and making vacated slots available again, as well as disparities in the quality of integration across various Hospital Information Systems (HIS). This can result in a situation where digitalization exists in name only, failing to fully translate into improved patient access to services.
The policy brief’s primary recommendation is the creation of a National Operational Interoperability Framework (KROI) for e-health. Rather than taking the form of a single new act, this framework would consist of a package of coordinated instruments implemented under the supervision of the Ministry of Health, managed operationally by the e-Health Centre, and linked to National Health Fund (NFZ) financing. The proposed model comprises five key elements: standards for synchronizing service availability data; certification of HIS functional interoperability; a central KPI dashboard; linking a portion of funding to system performance quality; and aligning national solutions with the requirements of the European Health Data Space (EHDS).
Jakub Mirkowski is a student at Peking University, founder of the European Union Society, and an ambassador for the European Climate Pact. His interests lie in public policy, the digitalization of public services, and data governance, with a particular focus on European policy.
Agata Paweta is the Associate Director for Public Policy (Mid-Europe) at MSD, where she leads the company's public affairs strategy for the region. She has over 10 years of experience in health policy and public affairs at the national, EU, and regional levels, specializing in pharmaceutical sector advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
The article is available on the Tygodnik Medyczny website. A full report containing a detailed analysis of the proposal will be published on our website soon.
This work was produced as part of the "Young Think Policy Briefs: Health" program.