Common use of Policy Context Clause in Contracts

Policy Context. The policy context for this guideline reflects both the NCD challenge and the increasing use of technology in health. NCDs are a complex challenge but eHealth can simplify solutions and help with messaging. The policy context is heavily influenced by the 2011 UN General Assembly, which – with EU support – adopted a political declaration on the prevention and control of NCDs, and the subsequent WHO Global Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs 2013-2020. With their experience of addressing public health challenges, the EU and its Member States are key actors in this UN process. Engaging health and social care professionals in the prevention agenda is an essential priority. The European Commission Third Health Programme 2014–2020 aims to strengthen action to promote health and prevent diseases and increase the uptake of innovation in health: ▇▇▇▇://▇▇.▇▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇/eahc/health/index.html. It is acknowledged across the EU that this major policy challenge requires a comprehensive, integrated, horizontal approach involving all the relevant levels, from individual citizens, communities and corporations to policymakers – based on targeted health promotion, prevention and early detection with a focus on addressing major risk factors. With reference to the wider adoption and use of eHealth technologies national guidelines and policies need to be adhered to. This guideline focuses on the use of technology by individual health and social care professionals but acknowledges that incorporation of tools such as HeartAge as part of a comprehensive approach to prevention would require attention to local and national eHealth policies and strategies. Because this guideline is focused at the level of individual practitioners, the main requirement is adherence to professional codes of practice as well as the knowledge and skills necessary to maximise the opportunities for health education and behaviour change generated as a result of using HeartAge or any other eHealth tool. If tools are used as part of an integrated, comprehensive care package or programme appropriate frameworks, systems and policies need to be in place and attention paid to relevant directives such as the Data Protection Directive 95/46/EC.