Die neue gesundheitskarte. Elektronische gesundheitskarten und heilberufsausweise als unverzichtbare elemente der kommenden telematikinfrastruktur im gesundheitswesen

Oncology is an aspect of medical care which is of major quantitative and qualitative significance. In particular, multimodal therapy strategies have taken over from the single specialist approach, leading to an exponentially growing need for communication between the different specialists involved. Standard therapies are being replaced by highly individualised therapy concepts. Telematics offer the possibility of providing the more rapid, complete and goal oriented information transfer between all diagnostically and therapeutically involved participants, perhaps even with reduced costs. In order to make this necessary but complex exchange of information possible, electronic health cards and health professional cards are necessary. The new electronic health card allows not only access to directly stored health information, but also to all decentralised information sources. With the health professional card, it is possible for the practitioner to use the available patient data at any time. Therefore, it is possible for the first time, practically and with maximum certainty, to carry out the basic oncological need for communication. Disadvantages such as the continuing dependence on the smooth working of IT, the problems of a longer introductory phase, and the currently higher costs must be accepted.