The impact assessment of Telematics Applications in health care in Europe

This paper synthesises the empirical results and the methodological approach of the TAP-ASSESS study. This study was commissioned by the European Commission's Directorate General for Enterprise in 1999 in order to assess the short- and long-term socio-economic impact of the Telematics Applications Programme (TAP). The TAP-ASSESS study also employed scenarios to consider the long-term implications of the TAP programme. This required selection and application of a method of scenario analysis. The paper synthesises the views of expert respondents, engaged in TAP activities, concerning the dynamics of telematics application innovations - the drivers for and barriers to change, and the ways in which innovation policies and strategies might interact, and the role of SMEs, and local, national and regional institutions.