E-health

E-health is a relatively recent term for healthcare practice supported by electronic processes and communication, dating back to at least 1999. Usage of the term varies as it just not covers the "Internet medicine" as it was conceived during the 90s, but also many other lines that are now part of the "health informatics" field.

Definition

The term E-health is an emerging field in the intersection of medical informatics, public health and business, referring to health services and information delivered or enhanced through the Internet and related technologies. In a broader sense, the term characterizes not only a technical development, but also a state-of-mind, a way of thinking, an attitude, and a commitment for networked, global thinking, to improve health care locally, regionally, and worldwide by using information and communication technology.

History

The history of E-health is a testament to the rapid evolution of technologies and social networking applications and their impact on society. The term was first coined in the late 1990s and has seen various definitions since then. The growth of the field has been driven by the rise of the internet and the proliferation of smartphones and other mobile devices, which have made it easier for people to access health information and services.

Applications

E-health encompasses a range of services or systems that are at the edge of medicine/healthcare and information technology, including:

• Electronic health records: enabling the communication of patient data between different healthcare professionals (GPs, specialists etc.);
• Telemedicine: which allows healthcare professionals to consult with each other and with patients online;
• Consumer health informatics: the use of electronic resources on medical topics by healthy individuals or patients;
• Health knowledge management: (e.g. in medical research and drug development) and;
• mHealth: the use of mobile devices for health services, information, and data management.

Challenges

Despite its potential benefits, E-health also presents some significant challenges. These include issues related to data security and privacy, the digital divide, and the cost of implementing and maintaining e-health systems. There is also the question of how to ensure the quality and reliability of health information available online.

See also

• Telemedicine
• Electronic health record
• Health informatics
• mHealth
• Consumer health informatics

References

E-health Resources
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