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RESEARCH PRODUCT

What seems to be the problem?—A study of connections between national contexts and regional e-health strategies

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Abstract Motivation Different e-health strategies may produce different long-term results, so it is of general interest to look into strategies behind e-health approaches, and what factors that influence strategy-formation. Problem statement Previous studies into process improvements in the e-health area has suggested that approaches and strategies are very dependent on national contexts. This study explores this issue, by sampling two national regions in Europe, the St. Gallen region and canton in Switzerland, and the Agder region comprised of the two Agder-counties, in Norway. The research questions revolve around the extent to which the context influences e-health innovation in two different European regions. Approach To throw light on the area of concern, the author performed a cross-sectional case-study into publicly known e-health research and innovation projects or implementation projects in the two regions at comparable level of analysis; transparent (public) collaborative projects with more than one autonomous partner, at least one being from the regions research-institutions or governmental bodies. Results This study reports that there were some different regional convergences within the mentioned framework. In general there seems to be a gap concerning studies around the extension of clinical systems into homecare in St. Gallen, and a gap concerning more cross-sectional, holistic studies in Agder. Conclusions This article summarizes by pointing out themes for further research that needs more attention, both in general and within each of the two contexts, as a recommendation to the research community. These themes may also have implications for practice.