EuSANH

The objective of the Lisbon Strategy is to create a more dynamic economy based on scientific knowledge. In the health context, the starting point is that better health is a prerequisite for better wealth.[1] This implies that health policy makers, providers of health care, and all institutions or people taking decisions in relation to health need scientific knowledge, suitable interpreted, to accomplish their tasks properly. This applies to public administration in health just as much as to any other economic sector, not least due to the fact that health systems in Europe are mainly publicly funded, and account for 7% – 11% of GDP.[2]

The need to involve scientific knowledge applies to all organisational levels in the society. At high administrative levels, we need scientific evidence to support policies and decisions e.g. in community approaches of public health problems. All too often, such decisions are not based on evidence and clarity of goals[3]. At the other end of the spectrum, clinical and public health professionals need to have access to up-to-date scientific knowledge and information to decide on the appropriate interventions and actions. In other words, scientific knowledge has to be accessed and used by decision makers and health professionals throughout Europe.   

 

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[1] Suhrcke M, McKee M, Sauto Arce R, Tsolova S, Mortensen J. The contribution of health to the economy in the European Union. Brussels: European Commission, 2005.
[2] http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_information/dissemination/echi/echi_25_en.pdf
[3] Alan Maynard. European health policy challenges. Health Econ 2005; 14: S255-S263.