Access and initial assessment
Where does the pathway begin, how is need assessed and who decides on the next step?
Comparing Europe.
Pathways into care.
Different healthcare systems offer different pathways to specialist care. MAPS examines their organisation, digital support and conditions for implementation.
Initial research focus
Denmark
Denmark is part of the initial MAPS research frame. The study aims to examine how access pathways are organised and what professionals experience with digital support and handovers.
Publicly documented example
MedCom
MedCom publishes shared standards for electronic hospital and specialist referrals. This example highlights structured information exchange at care handovers.
View original source ↗Question for comparison
How do first contact, referral and responsibilities shape the pathway to actual care?
Initial research focus
Netherlands
Netherlands is part of the initial MAPS research frame. The study aims to examine how access pathways are organised and what professionals experience with digital support and handovers.
Publicly documented example
ZorgDomein
ZorgDomein describes a digital referral workflow covering selection of a care service, an appointment request and a referral letter. Reports can be returned to the referring professional.
View original source ↗Question for comparison
How do first contact, referral and responsibilities shape the pathway to actual care?
Initial research focus
Estonia
Estonia is part of the initial MAPS research frame. The study aims to examine how access pathways are organised and what professionals experience with digital support and handovers.
Publicly documented example
Tervisekassa
In the e-consultation described by Tervisekassa, family physicians seek specialist advice electronically. The specialist may advise continued care in primary care or invite the patient to an appointment.
View original source ↗Question for comparison
How do first contact, referral and responsibilities shape the pathway to actual care?
Initial research focus
Finland
Finland is part of the initial MAPS research frame. The study aims to examine how access pathways are organised and what professionals experience with digital support and handovers.
Publicly documented example
Omaolo
Omaolo offers digital symptom assessments and guidance on next steps. Connection to professionals or appointment services depends on the services available in the region.
View original source ↗Question for comparison
How do first contact, referral and responsibilities shape the pathway to actual care?
Reference for transfer
Germany
Germany is the point of reference for asking which lessons may transfer and under what conditions. MAPS does not assess other systems in isolation from their institutional context.
Question for comparison
How do first contact, referral and responsibilities shape the pathway to actual care?
The map shows the initial research frame, not a final country selection. The current sampling strategy considers a wider European scope; the final selection remains open.
A shared comparison framework.
Referral and handover
What information accompanies a referral and who takes responsibility?
Implementation and learning
How do digital services connect to care delivery, and what limits transferability?
These examples illustrate the research focus. They are not MAPS findings and do not represent the full care system of a country. Original sources last checked on 11 October 2026.