“Millions of francs thrown out the window”: criticism of the expensive BAG campaign

In May, only 20,000 files had been opened. Far too little, says the BAG. That’s why it launched a campaign. In several waves, first the hospitals and from next year also the general public must be convinced of the EPD.

For now, the FOPH is allowed to spend as much as CHF 3.6 million on posters with slogans such as “The EPD works”. With a possible extension to 2027, another CHF 1.5 million could flow.

That annoys SP alderman Sarah Wyss (34): “These are millions of francs that you just throw out the window.” She herself works for the psychiatric service in Bern. “The current model of the electronic patient record is of no use to hospitals and patients.”

Hospitals are not included – although they should be

And Wyss fears those new to electronic health records will be disappointed. “The EPD is currently a document graveyard. It doesn’t work because everything is voluntary.” The EPD offers hardly any benefits.

In fact, only 44 percent of all hospitals and 33 percent of nursing homes are connected – although they are required to be there by law. But there are no sanctions and apparently only some incentives to participate. “Because the EHR doesn’t add any value to patient or care right now,” says Wyss. However, it is generally not against digital medical records. But: “Instead of wasting a lot of money now, there should be a march stop.” From Wyss’ point of view, the EHR should be improved first and then advertised.

Incidentally, Minister of Health Alain Berset (51) has already submitted a proposal for consultation: General practitioners, pharmacists and physiotherapists should also use the EPD in addition to hospitals – otherwise fines could follow. Individuals should also automatically receive a file. If you don’t want that, you have to take action yourself.

But Wyss is not even happy with her party colleague Berset’s suggestion: “From a technical point of view, the EPD remains a PDF graveyard. But if many people use it, it will also be technically better.” One thing is clear to them, however: if the EPD becomes mandatory, the population must be informed. “You have to spend the money on that.”

Medical record gets new functions

The BAG admits that the EPD is not yet perfect. “But it works and is constantly being improved.” Having all health information in one place would be a “significant improvement over today.” This would allow more time for medical care and avoid uncoordinated examinations.

In addition, new applications are constantly being added. “For example, the electronic vaccination card will soon be available.” These developments – such as the medication plan and electronic prescriptions that will follow – are not dependent on Berset’s proposal.

“The EPD is gaining momentum with this,” writes the BAG. However, for the digital medical record to be fully functional, its use must be promoted. It is therefore the right time to raise awareness of the EPD, the agency defends the campaign worth millions.