Transnational comparison: A retrospective study on e-health in sparsely populated areas of the northern periphery

Healthcare delivery in the northern periphery of Europe is challenged by
dispersed populations, geographical complexities (including mountainous
terrain and inhabited islands), ageing populations, and rising patient
expectations. It is challenged further by variations in transport networks
and information communication technology infrastructure. This article
provides an overview of e-health development across the northern periphery
areas of four northern European countries (Finland, Sweden,
Norway, and Scotland) by summarizing the outcomes of a mixed
methods e-health mapping exercise and subsequently identifying service
needs and gaps. A total of 148 applications, with a range of applied ehealth
solutions, were identified and the findings have promoted the
sharing and transfer of e-health innovation across the four countries.
The supporting telecommunications infrastructure and development of
innovative telemedicine appear slower in sparsely populated areas of
Scotland in comparison to its northern peripheral counterparts. All four
countries have, however, demonstrated a clear commitment to the development
of e-health within their remote and rural regions.