Overview

A four-pronged research programme was undertaken to better understand variations in disease management across Member States and the continuity of cross-border patient care. The use of evidence-based guidelines across the European Union varies, and the medical professionals surveyed had little experience of using care pathways in a cross-border setting. Health professionals most often stated that standardised discharge summaries and compatible information technology (IT) would facilitate Cross-Border Care, while patients raised the importance of good communication between health care professionals and patients.