EHealth

EHealth is the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) for health. It is a broad term that encompasses a range of services or systems that are at the edge of medicine/healthcare and information technology.

Definition

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines eHealth as "the use of digital technology for health". This includes the use of digital tools for delivering health services and information, for research, for patient care, and for health system management.

History

The term "eHealth" was first used in the year 2000 in a surge of articles about health care and the internet. It was a shorthand term for "electronic health". At the time, the term was understood to mean the use of the internet for health. However, the definition has evolved over time to encompass a broader range of technologies and applications.

Applications

EHealth applications include telemedicine, electronic health records, health information systems, mHealth (mobile health), health analytics, health informatics, and health information exchange.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine is the use of ICT to provide health care services remotely. This can include consultations, monitoring, and remote patient care.

Electronic Health Records

Electronic health records (EHRs) are digital versions of patients' health records. They can be shared across different health care settings and can include a range of data, including demographics, medical history, medication and allergies, immunization status, laboratory test results, radiology images, and billing information.

Health Information Systems

Health information systems are systems that capture, store, manage, or transmit information related to the health of individuals or the activities of organizations that work within the health sector.

mHealth

mHealth is the use of mobile and wireless technologies to support the achievement of health objectives.

Health Analytics

Health analytics involves the use of data to gain insights into and manage health, including predictive modeling and business intelligence tools.

Health Informatics

Health informatics is the interdisciplinary study of the design, development, adoption, and application of IT-based innovations in healthcare services delivery, management, and planning.

Health Information Exchange

Health information exchange (HIE) is the mobilization of health care information electronically across organizations within a region, community or hospital system.

Benefits

EHealth has the potential to improve the quality of health care and to make it more accessible to more people. It can also reduce health care costs and increase efficiency. Furthermore, eHealth can improve the patient's experience and enable better patient engagement.

Challenges

Despite its potential, eHealth also faces several challenges. These include issues related to privacy and security, the digital divide, and the need for interoperability.

See also

• Digital health
• Health 2.0
• Health technology
• Telehealth
• Telecare