Catalonia

Owned by Federica Andreoni
Last updated: Nov 25, 2024
5 min read

“Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.” Pablo Picasso, Catalyuna.

History

La Meva Salut started in 2009 and all Catalans had access in 2012. Initial use to the platform was low, primarily due to the requirement of a digital certificate, which few people had. Various identity verification alternatives were explored to simplify access while meeting legal and security requirements.

Primary care centres' face-to-face identity verification provided the best solution. After this, a 2014 pilot test provided the username and password system in 33 of the 400 basic health areas (ABS). Access more than tripled so rollout was spread to all primary care areas in Catalonia in May 2015 (Aanestad et al., 2017).

Features

La Meva Salut covers care received within Catalonia’s health system. The services and information available to patients include:

  • Details of their primary care team, including the assigned doctor and nurse, with the option to change doctor.

  • Diagnostics and clinical reports, covering emergency care, admissions, ambulatory care, test results, and medical notices for work leave and return to work.

  • A record of administered vaccines and immunisations.

  • The patient’s current medication plan.

  • A personal agenda showing scheduled tests and visits to primary care centres and hospitals (where this service is integrated).

  • Information on the waiting list for any pending surgeries.

  • Access to the will document (if the patient has registered one).

  • The ability to express the intent to become an organ and tissue donor.

  • Use of eConsulta to communicate with healthcare professionals for non-urgent matters that do not require face-to-face contact.

  • The ability to schedule appointments, including for international vaccinations.

  • The option to securely download clinical information in a coded format using the Health data to share feature.

Feature availability depends on the healthcare provider (e.g., hospitals or primary care centres). The patient’s provider is determined by their place of residence. Data integration is gradual, relying on healthcare centres within the Comprehensive Health System for Public Use of Catalonia (SISCAT) to continue contributing information (Generalitat de Catalunya, n.d.).

Challenges and areas for improvement

Despite the many benefits of La Meva Salut, there are still some areas where the platform faces challenges and limitations:

  • Limited Data Input: Patients are unable to add personal medical data directly into the system.

  • Exclusively Public Healthcare Data: La Meva Salut exclusively relies on data provided by Public Healthcare providers.

(PKB interviews, 2024)

Published outcomes - statistics

Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any statistics about the use of La meva salut in Catalonia. If you have access to this information or can put us in touch with someone who has, please contact us at book@phr4gov.org

Screenshots

 

The Home Page provides patients with links to essential areas of the platform. These links include access to test results, vaccination records, COVID certificates, and medication information. Patients can also schedule and attend online consultations, view an appointment calendar, and manage their will and organ donation preferences. Additionally, they can access diagnostic information, explore other services, and view a digital version of their health card.

 

The Information and Results page enables patients to see their clinical test results, imaging findings and other diagnostic evidence. For each entry, patients can see the type of result, its date, and a PDF to read the full details.
The Medications section allows patients to download their prescription documents, which they can then take to the pharmacy for dispensing. Patients can view key details for each prescription, including the medication name, the prescription duration, the prescriber’s name, and the next scheduled refill date.
The Health Questionnaires section serves as a tool for gathering information and monitoring health status through patient responses. These questionnaires enable patients to self-assess symptoms, quality of life, and other aspects of their perceived health. Patients can review questionnaires they have previously completed and access any which is awaiting a response.
eConsulta enables patients to communicate remotely with professionals. Patients can submit inquiries, attach files such as documents or images, and receive responses. Professionals can use eConsulta to reply. La Meva Salut sends a notification via email or SMS to the patient about new replies. Not all primary centres currently offer this service. eConsulta of Specialties is available once a specialised care activates for a patient. The patients can communicate for initial consultations, and follow-up care after a referral, until the patient is discharged. Patients can also request a variety of reports and certificates, including health reports, sick leave reports, medication plan renewals, and more.
Appointments and Agenda allows patients to book appointments by specifying the reason for the visit and the type of professional (eg GP or another healthcare professional). Patients can see a list of upcoming appointments and check their status on any waiting lists. Appointment booking is not yet available everywhere as healthcare facilities gradually integrate with the platform.
Declaration of Will and Donations allows patients to register their organ donation decision and to access documents related to their will.
Patients can instruct while they have mental capacity what they wish if they lose that capacity. This includes euthanasia and the delegating to someone else to make decisions. This legal document is enforceable in all healthcare centres (public and private) as well as in court.
In the Campaigns area, patients can explore promotional initiatives for various products and services. The Other Services section allows patients to explore what health centres offer. Each service opens in a new browser window, operating outside of La Meva Salut.
The Access Log Area shows who accessed their health record and when.

Bibliography

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