In 2008, the first EHRA White Book of Electrophysiology was published. The project had been launched in an attempt to assess the status quo of treatment of arrhythmias in all ESC member countries and in order to have a platform for a progressive harmonisation of access to arrhythmia treatment in all ESC countries.
The cooperation of the national societies was so enthusiastic, that we were able to report 37 countries in the first edition.
With information from the White Book on insurance and reimbursement systems, the number of centres performing different interventions and implantations and other data, we were able to enjoy very interesting discussions on “Health Care Disparities in Europe: the case of arrhythmias” during our annual EHRA Summit this year.
The EHRA Summit provided the opportunity to share and exchange information from 29 member countries on specific needs for improvements, reimbursement policy and training issues, amongst other topics.
As stated in the 2008 edition, data has been collected from various sources that are cited in the White Book and most importantly, all data from third parties have been confirmed and authorised by each chairman of the national society or working group, respectively.
It is part of the task and privilege of EHRA to foster scientific discussion, create standards for education and training and offer help wherever necessary to harmonize treatment and access to the treatment of arrhythmias within its hemisphere. We are grateful to each of you who have worked so hard to accomplish this second edition and hope that with this new White Book we have set the ground for a continuous EHRA year book.
We would like to express our appreciation to the European Heart House staff and to the representatives of each of the national arrhythmia societies or working groups who made this project possible.
It is our sincere hope that all the different parties involved in patient care in the field of arrhythmias will find this book both helpful and interesting. Should you have any recommendations or feedback concerning the White Book, please do not hesitate to contact us.
EHRA White Book was made possible with the aid of an unrestricted educational grant from BIOTRONIK SE & Co. KG