Italy has recently become the first European country to launch a nationwide integration of electronic health records (EHRs) specifically for rare disease patients. This groundbreaking initiative enables healthcare professionals across regions to access comprehensive, up-to-date patient histories, genetic data, and treatment protocols in real time. With over 30 million people in Europe affected by rare diseases, this system aims to reduce diagnostic delays and facilitate coordinated, multidisciplinary care.

The integrated platform leverages secure cloud infrastructure and complies with GDPR standards, ensuring patient privacy while promoting smooth information exchange among specialists. Early reports indicate improved case management and reduced administrative burdens for clinicians. Experts hope this model can be replicated across Europe, enhancing outcomes for patients who often face fragmented care. For more on EHR integration in healthcare, see this overview by the U.S. Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT.