INDICATORS

As stated in the summary of this report, the foremost task is to implement indicators in
all EU Member States. Whilst this sounds straightforward, it will require reshaping or
creating many data sources, which is a much greater effort.
At present, the most important task is to establish a balanced system of data and
indicators for all countries. The most sensible framework for this system is provided by
the indicators of the extended ECHI shortlist. In due course Joint Action for ECHIM
and the processes initiated by it are expected to result in comparable health information
in all Member States and in the EU, and a well managed system for improvements,
maintenance, analyses, reports and dissemination. The first demonstration of what can
be achieved will be a descriptive report based on the newly established indicators.
6.3. Interaction with Member States and their experts
Joint Action for ECHIM is going to work together with national and regional experts
of the Member States in order to support their efforts to develop data sources and
to implement health indicators. The project’s experts will provide support and help
national experts draw up plans for implementation. International data sources and the
ECHIM Survey are going to be supplemented in collaboration with Member States,
DG SANCO and Eurostat. In fact, the key for success lies in national implementation
plans drawn up by Member States experts in conjunction with ECHIM experts and
implemented by the national experts. Joint Action for ECHIM will work closely with
the above to design the pilot data flow and to make suggestions for the operation of the
whole health information and knowledge system.
The project will employ modern means of communication to support the implementation
and development effort at EU level and in Member States. The main target groups are
administrations in the EU and in the Member States, specifically the health, public health
and statistical authorities, health professionals, and policymakers. Most pragmatically,
the project will work together with the EU and Member States during the introduction
of the concepts in Member States and at various stages of implementation. This will also
be done by meetings with key officials. DG SANCO and Eurostat experts are going to be
asked to join the discussions with Member States when needed. Other discussions and
training sessions with Member States are a central part of the implementation process.
Indicators, their sources and definitions (Documentation Sheets) will be refined in
collaboration with the Working Parties and projects under the Public Health Programme,
with DG SANCO, Eurostat, WHO Regional Office for Europe and OECD. Input from
Member States during the negotiations is important. All results should be made available
on the ECHIM Products website, which houses indicators and metadata, and should be
integrated with the EU Health Portal. Expert advice on the implementation of health
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