The new Way Yaseen Hayajneh, RN, MPH, PhD eHealth The new Way Yaseen Hayajneh, RN, MPH, PhD

What is eHealth? eHealth is about conducting health business electronically eHealth is the combined use of electronic communication and IT in the health sector for Clinical Educational Administrative purposes

eHealth: Definitions “Any & all aspects of the use of computers & telecommunications technology, especially the Internet, for health purposes”. An emerging field referring to the organization and delivery of health services and information using the Internet and related technologies.

What is eHealth? In a broader sense, the term characterizes not only a technical development, but also a new way of working, an attitude, and a commitment for networked, global thinking, to improve health care locally, regionally, and worldwide by using information and communication technology. (adapted from Eysenbach)

eHealth: Definitions “A means of applying new low cost electronic technologies, such as `web enabled’ transactions, advanced networks and new design approaches, to healthcare delivery” E-Health provides the backbone for the reengineering of health systems

AMIA’s Definition of eHealth e-Health is the use of information technology to transform health through health care systems that are equitable, safe, effective, efficient, patient-centered, timely, & equitable.

Need for e-Health Rising cost of healthcare Need to improve patient safety Changes in patient / consumer expectations Ageing populations Advances in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

The 10 E’s in e-Health Efficiency: Enhancing Quality Evidence based Leading to reduced costs - E.g. by avoiding duplicate or unnecessary interventions Enhancing Quality Ex. Comparisons between providers making it easier to identify best practice Evidence based Empowerment of consumers and patients Encouragement of new relationship – based on partnership

The 10 E’s of e-Health Education of both clinicians and consumers Enabling: Enabling information exchange between healthcare providers Extending Extending the scope of healthcare Ethics Equity Source: Gunther Eysenbach (2001)