Since 2022, 400 model projects in municipalities and, at the federal state level, more than 50 state measures and cross-state "One Country for All" (ELFA) initiatives have been supported. Many of these initiatives aim to simplify communication between citizens and administrations as well as to digitize inter-agency administrative processes.
Different programs and missing interfaces repeatedly cause problems in everyday life. Therefore, in Saarland, as part of the digital transformation of the public health service (ÖGD), a statewide measure coordinated centrally by the Ministry of Health and implemented in close cooperation with all six Saarland health offices is being promoted. The overarching goal of the measure is the as uniform as possible expansion of digital collaboration at all levels of the Saarland public health service. Exemplary examples to mention here are the following:
Expansion of the uniform specialist software R23 in all Saarland health departments with the aim of complete, digital, and cross-system process handling
Design and provision of a Saarland-wide digital toolkit specifically tailored to the needs of the Saarland public health service to strengthen agile, GDPR-compliant project work
Design and implementation of "blended learning" training and continuing education measures, tailored to the specific Saarland work processes in public health services
Procurement of digital solutions with a direct added value for citizens, e.g., an appointment management system integrated into the specialized application, a Saarland-wide uniform solution for conducting video consultations, creation of instructional videos on various topics for the Infection Protection department to reduce language barriers in communication with institutions and citizens
In addition, a vaccination information system (IISAAR) is being implemented under the leadership of Saarland in cooperation with Brandenburg, Baden-Württemberg, and Bavaria.
Key measures at the federal level include, in particular, the creation of a modular IT platform for the public health service, called ÖGDnet, the provision of the joint collaboration and communication platform Agora, the development of an electronic reporting and information system for health offices (EMIGA), as well as the further development of DEMIS, the German Electronic Reporting and Information System for Infection Protection.
Background
The federal government has launched an extensive funding program that will provide a total of 800 million euros by 2026 for the digitalization of public health services. The funding program is part of the German Reconstruction and Resilience Plan (DARP), through which the federal government contributes to overcoming the corona crisis and securing the future in Germany and Europe. The program is financed by the European Union (NextGenerationEU).
To make the progress measurable, the funding program is scientifically accompanied and the increase in the digital maturity of the health departments is continuously evaluated annually as of December 31st using a maturity model for digitalization. The interim results so far show that the digitization projects are achieving success. The report on the third measurement of digital maturity demonstrates that the majority of the 376 health departments in Germany were able to improve significantly between 2021 and 2023. This positive development can also be observed in the health departments of Saarland. The surveys will continue until 2026.
