Patient Journey Through the Danish Healthcare System with the Help of Digital Technologies – An Illustrative Case Study

Digitalization of Danish Healthcare

Denmark ranks first in preparedness for digital healthcare, thanks to the country's commitment to using digital technologies to improve healthcare. 

The benefits and strategies of the system established in Danish healthcare are described in the following story of a man recently diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In 12 points, it follows the patient "step by step" over the course of one year and highlights the efficient exchange of information, seamless integration of medical records, and ways digitalization assists both the patient and doctors. It also illustratively describes the systems and technologies used, including telemedicine.

Model Case Study

1. Patient Jens was recently diagnosed with COPD and is currently at his general practitioner's office for a consultation. He feels that the doctor is well-prepared and has an overview of his newly arisen health situation. The doctor had received the diagnosis report digitally in advance from the hospital that conducted the relevant tests.
2. Together with the doctor, they go through the necessary steps regarding treatment that need to be taken and set treatment goals. Jens can see a comprehensive care plan on the doctor's tablet. 
3. Through the digital portal, Jens shows his wife Ulla the treatment and regimen measures that will now be part of his life. Ulla can read about ways she can support her husband in treating the COPD, a disease previously unfamiliar to her.  
4. Jens has the flu and is short of breath; he calls an ambulance. At the emergency room, he has trouble speaking due to shortness of breath. The doctor at the hospital can look up in the digital records system that the patient suffers from COPD.
5. In this way, the doctor quickly gains an overview of the patient's health status and the latest measured values (blood pressure, lung function, etc.) and can initiate the necessary treatment.
6. Ulla is at work. Since she is listed in the system as Jens's contact person, the nurse in the emergency room can inform her about his condition, allowing her to soon support him at the hospital. 
7. Along with the digital discharge report from the hospital, the general practitioner's office receives a reminder for a follow-up check one week after discharge. The nurse arranges the follow-up with Jens, and it is recorded in his calendar within the healthcare system. 
8. During the hospital stay, a rehabilitation plan is set. The practitioner suggests home monitoring, which can also be used to track the progress of rehabilitation. Jens's treatment plan is updated. 
9. After the consultation at the general practitioner's office, the municipality is informed about the use of telemedicine in Jens's treatment. A few days later, a mobile nurse visits him and helps with the home monitoring device. 
10. For better home monitoring, Jens is lent a tablet. An app on it allows him to view instructions for agreed-upon home rehabilitation exercises. Using sensors, he can ensure the correctness of the exercises performed. 
11. The physiotherapist reviews the data on Jens's tablet remotely every week to assess whether he is exercising correctly and according to the plan. The physiotherapist can contact the patient directly and communicate with him via messages. 
12. After a year, Jens should visit his general practitioner again, who can compare home measurements with similar cases of COPD patients. Considering the current condition, the treatment, regimen measures, and new training goals are adjusted and updated in the healthcare system. 

Conclusion

Digital applications have the potential to relieve the overburdened healthcare system and gradually transform some of its elements. The interconnected system allows for better awareness of a patient's health status, more efficient communication among healthcare professionals, and rapid initiation of necessary steps to achieve optimal treatment outcomes.

(lexi)

Sources: 
1. Jensen P. Digital health in Denmark. Forum for Health Policy, 2024 Jan 11. Available at: https://healthpolicy.se/digital-health-in-denmark
2. Digital Health Strategy 2018–2022. A coherent and trustworthy health network for all. Sundhedsdatastyrelsen, 2018 Jan. Available at: https://sundhedsdatastyrelsen.dk/-/media/sds/filer/english/digital_health_solutions/digital_health_strategy_2018_2022.pdf