INDICATORS

It was proposed earlier that the shortlist be divided into two sections, i.e. Implementation
and Development sections.
It is evident that the first section will also require improvement. The aim during the
coming period will be to further improve and finalise the Documentation Sheets for all
indicators, and to develop them into precise guidelines on how to collect data and how
to calculate the indicators. This will be undertaken by Joint Action for ECHIM together
with the expert groups (projects) in the respective areas. In addition, it is obviously
necessary to work closely with Eurostat, which in due course will coordinate much of
the actual data collection. This work with Eurostat as well as with the Member States
will reveal practical constraints, but also create new opportunities.
Along with the work on improving definitions and implementation, the shortlist
indicators should be evaluated using a few standard criteria and a formal but pragmatic
procedure. Such a procedure should include the same or similar criteria that were used
in the current selection. However, it should apply the process on the actual situation
concerning policy relevance and data availability. This is also a task to be taken up in the
Joint Action for ECHIM.
In addition to the shortlist “Implementation section”, it is particularly the “Development
section” that will require further work. In fact, it should serve as an agenda for issues to
be brought up in the annual work programmes of the Health Programme, and as such
play a role in the gaps analysis.
In conclusion, it is important that work is continued to improve the ECHI shortlist,
but ultimately its future depends on its use and implementation within the EU Member
States.
The process of proposing and deciding on additions to the shortlist has been quite
complex and time-consuming, and resulted in quite limited extension.
In the future it is expected that there will be strong pressure to keep the shortlist short and
stable. Changes of the following types can be foreseen, but only to a limited extent:
• Further extensions, but only on sound arguments
• Deletions of items with limited policy relevance and data availability without
prospect for improvement
• Removal of items from “Implementation” section to “Development” section,
where policy relevance remains high, but technical feasibility and availability of
data is low
• Removal of items from “Development” section to “Implementation” section,
where work towards improved technical feasibility and data availability has proven
successful
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