General Information

European Association of Managers of health information technology (HITM) - a nonprofit organization singled out as a pan-European association that brings together national associations of health information technology in Europe.

Believing in the fundamental importance of the association of IT professionals on the European and global level, HITM contributes to professional authority and responsibility of managers of health information technology and represents their interests in international institutions and associations.

Number of participants in HITM constantly increasing.

First Annual General Assembly held in 2008 in Brussels. HITM based in Brussels, it provides an opportunity for free access to European institutions and associations.

Ukrainian Association of Computer Science has become a national member HITM in 2007. According to the charter of the organization, a member may be, and regional organizations engaged in useful activities in implementing information technology in health care.

European institutions and health organizations have made great efforts in the field of IT in healthcare, the importance of which increases on a global scale. IT in healthcare is growing annually at 9%. The highest growth is expected over the next six years. Thus, it is now time to influence this process and facilitate growth. One of the key factors in this area is that IT reduces the cost! Consequently education HITM was vital step to achieve this very important goal.

Formation HITM

HITM - a pan-European umbrella organization of several major national associations and individuals (managers of hospitals and healthcare IT managers). Formation HITM was a logical and necessary development for unifying and integrating European IT in health care. Although Europe has a very sophisticated IT solutions, they are often available only at the regional level due to high market fragmentation.

Overview:

Comparison situtsii in Europe and the U.S.

Europe:
• Regional fragmentation;
• lacks the perspective of harmonization and unification;
• the existence of different standards;
• has international health challenges;
• has no relevant pan-European associations, congresses or publications on the market.

U.S.:
• use the same standards;
• one market;
• has a few relevant associations;
• has a lot of effective communication platforms on the market.

HITM fights with fragmentation

HITM combines significantly fragmented IT sector health managers.

This effort was urgently needed because:
• There was no representation of the interests of health IT managers at the Pan-European level.
• there is a need for common standards, best practices, common policies in this area and international cooperation.
• HITM pertinent offers a unique pan-European communication platform for all those involved in IT in healthcare, providing the sector the opportunity to gain knowledge.

Mission HITM:
• Establish common standards for health, best practices, international cooperation, a common policy and strategy in the EU and international levels.
• Increase public importance, the role and importance of IT management in health care.
• Inform key politicians, heads of industry and the general public the benefits of health IT.
• To promote mutual cooperation among the various health sectors.
• Promote efficient, cost-effective use of IT.

Information on IMIA prepared on site HITM (www.eahitm.org)