The challenges of the past 

In the past, communication with Dutch general practitioners often took place via paper letters. Reports were validated, printed and sent by mail. Sometimes they even had to be encrypted and sent by email. This process was time-consuming, prone to errors and often caused delays. Peter Laenen, IT Director at AZ Vesalius, reflects: “We noticed that doctors in the Netherlands often received a report long after the consultation. That was far from ideal, especially for patients who needed follow-up treatment within a short timeframe.”

How does this work in practice?

After a consultation, doctors at AZ Vesalius validate their report in the EHR and from there, it is automatically sent via ZorgMail to the correct Dutch general practitioner. “All this without additional steps for the doctor,” says Marie-France Vallé. “Nothing changes in our doctors’ daily workflow, which is what makes this solution so powerful.”

The benefits: faster, safer, more efficient 

The benefits of this integration are clear. “The process delivers enormous time savings. In just two months, 450 reports have already been sent digitally to 134 different Dutch general practitioners. Patients receive faster access to care because their Dutch general practitioner immediately has access to the necessary medical information. Radiology reports, for example, are often available the same day, allowing patients to visit their GP with complete information. Additionally, the digital approach offers significant cost savings and a positive impact on the administrative burden. In terms of patient safety, this innovation also offers advantages, as documents are no longer lost.”

The impact on cross-border care 

“The accessibility of Belgian hospitals is greatly appreciated by Dutch patients,” says Peter Laenen. “With the new digital integration, these patients can rely on seamless collaboration between healthcare providers in both countries.”

An inspiring collaboration 

The successful implementation at AZ Vesalius is not only a technological milestone but also an example of how collaboration in healthcare can transcend borders. The project emphasizes that digital healthcare is not just about technology but, above all, about people and collaboration. “When everyone is on the same page and shares the same vision, you truly create added value for the patient,” says Marie-France Vallé. It illustrates how technology should never be a barrier but rather a bridge.

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