ICT-based Solutions in Austrian Care Homes. Policy Review and Recommendations.

The nursing and care sector has not been given much attention in policy debates and proposals on e-health in Austria. While general legal frameworks in the domain of data protection and regulation of medical devices have been formulated, questions of liability, responsibility, adequate training and data ownership remain. Austrian patients and doctors are skeptical of telemedicine, despite the successfully rollout of pilot projects by local governments. Advances in telemedicine and telecare need to be accompanied by legal clarifications, information campaigns and trainings for patients and healthcare professionals. Any advances in telenursing also need to take into consideration that long-term care in Austria is predominantly provided in informal settings.