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e-health is proving to be a major paradigm shift in the provision of health information and health care internationally. Its introduction is rising rapidly. This innovative approach to the delivery of health information and health care delivery is being recognized globally as enhancing quality, accessibility, accuracy, cost effectiveness, equity and efficiency in the delivery of health information and health care. The New Zealand Health Care System is now more focused on empowerment of consumers, by encouraging self management of health, and by having a more focused approach to health care outcomes. Because of this, there is constant exploration in the field to discover new and innovative ways to provide necessary quality health care and education to a wider section of the population within the constraints of the available health dollar.
ehealth is the overarching term most commonly being used to describe the application of existing and emerging e-technologies in combination with innovative or improved processes to transform mainstream health care delivery. Other terms which appear in the literature and are identified in the model on our homepage are mainly used to identify specific sections of the health / technology partnership, and may therefore be positioned under the umbrella of ehealth. The model was developed to show the various definitions, demonstrate that some may vary little from the other, but they should all be underpinned by evidence based practice. Tan, writing in the text “E-Health Care Information Systems – an introduction for Students and Professionals” highlights its contribution to quality health care as follows:- - It makes available and accessible health care knowledge and expertise especially for the underserved.
- It makes available and accessible, quality health care on a more equitable basis in underserved rural and urban areas .
- It provides comprehensive availability of e-clinical services regardless of time, specialty and geographical location
- It can provide educational service networks for isolated health professionals, residents and non experts
- It can empower e-consumers and e-providers by providing directions to the internet and ensuring relevant information is available here which may assist in decision making.
- It can reduce the use of traditional services and provide innovative ways of presenting these services .
- It will provide education to ensure a greater awareness of services among rural and remote residents and caregivers
- Availability and timely accessibility of critical information in the event of emergencies such as the service offered by Healthline .(Tan, 2005, P. 46) (Information in italics offered by author)
- It is interactive
- It provides individually designed interventions
Footnote:
Tan,J.(Eds.) .(2005) E-Health Care Information Systems. An introduction for students and professionals. San Francisco. Jossey-Bass |
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