What is eHealth?

One of the earliest mentions of eHealth comes from all the way back in 1999. The term, also written as e-health, referred to the use of electronic processes and communication to support healthcare practices.

eHealth was established to mean systems and networks in healthcare connected with the Internet, but nowadays it is used to mean anything related to computers and medicine. The definition also includes mobile applications created for healthcare purposes, referred to as mHealth or m-health.

The application of information and communication technologies (ICT) in healthcare is meant to improve the delivery of services, the exchange of health information, and the overall management of health systems. eHealth encompasses the use of various digital tools, platforms, and systems to support healthcare professionals, patients, and other stakeholders in the healthcare sector.

Examples of eHealth

eHealth involves the utilization of technologies such as computers, mobile devices, telecommunication networks, and the internet to enhance healthcare processes, access medical information, manage health insurance, store patient data, and improve patient outcomes.

It encompasses a wide range of applications, such as:

Electronic Medical
Records (EMRs)

Digital records of patients’ health information, including medical history, diagnoses, medications, and test results. EMRs, also known as electronic health records (EHR), are the answer to better data management of medical information. These records enable efficient storage, retrieval, and transfer of complete, relevant patient data between healthcare providers.
Health Information
Exchange (HIE)

The secure exchange of health-related information between healthcare organizations and systems. HIE facilitates the sharing of patient data, test results, and other relevant information to improve care coordination and continuity.
Telemedicine

The provision of healthcare services remotely through the use of telecommunications technologies. Telemedicine offers patients the ability to contact their doctors, receive diagnoses, and access treatment from a distance, using video conferencing, remote monitoring, and other communication tools.
Mobile Health (mHealth)

The use of mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and wearables for healthcare purposes. mHealth applications include health tracking, reminders for medication adherence, appointment scheduling, and access to health information. Such applications provide quality awareness for patients who are undergoing remote treatment.
Health Education & Awareness

Digital platforms and applications that provide health-related information, educational resources, and tools to promote healthy behaviors and disease prevention. These options rely on the use of websites, mobile apps, and online communities.
Health Analytics

The analysis of large volumes of health data to gain insights into population health trends, disease patterns, and treatment outcomes. Health analytics can inform evidence-based decision-making, healthcare planning, and public health interventions. The entire process can also greatly benefit medical research, allowing it to progress at much faster rates.

Benefits of eHealth

eHealth offers numerous benefits that enhance healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes. Here are some of the key benefits that build a brighter vision for the future of the healthcare industry.

Improved access to healthcar
Optimized efficiency
Cost savings
Improved patient engagement
Better care coordination
Health monitoring and
early intervention
Research and data analytics

Improved access to healthcare

eHealth provides access to healthcare services regardless of geographical barriers. Telemedicine and telehealth platforms enable remote consultations, allowing patients to connect with healthcare professionals from anywhere, especially in underserved areas. This improves access to healthcare for individuals who may be limited in their visits to hospitals.

Optimized efficiency

Technologies streamline healthcare processes and improve efficiency. Electronic health records (EHRs) enable healthcare providers to access and share patient information securely, leading to better coordination of care.

Online appointment scheduling, refills of prescriptions, and virtual visits reduce waiting times and eliminate the need for unnecessary in-person visits, making healthcare more convenient for patients. And in the cases where visitation is required, referrals are far easier thanks to digital records.

Cost savings

eHealth can help reduce the price of healthcare for both consumers and healthcare companies. Remote consultations and monitoring reduce the need for physical visits, which can be costly and time-consuming.

By leveraging digital technologies, eHealth minimizes administrative tasks, streamlines workflows, and reduces paperwork, leading to cost savings for healthcare providers. This can prove to be highly advantageous for small businesses. Patients also won’t need to pay for public transport usage.

Improved patient engagement

Electronic health tools encourage active patient participation in the healthcare process. Patients can access their health records, test results, and educational resources online, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health.

Developing digital health apps and wearables enables users to monitor their health parameters, track fitness goals, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, promoting self-care and proactive health management.

Better care coordination

eHealth enables Medicare beneficiaries to access healthcare services remotely, especially for individuals who may have difficulty traveling to healthcare facilities.

Telemedicine allows seniors to consult with healthcare providers and licensed insurance agents through video calls, phone calls, or secure messaging, reducing the need for in-person visits and making healthcare more convenient. Through websites, patients can also enroll online and select from a variety of Medicare plans.

Health monitoring and early intervention

Remote patient monitoring and wearable devices allow continuous tracking of vital signs, symptoms, and disease progression. This real-time data enables medical teams to identify potential issues early and intervene promptly, offering guidance and preventing complications. It is particularly beneficial for managing chronic diseases and post-operative care.

Research and data analytics

eHealth generates vast amounts of health data that can be used for research, population health management, and data analytics. This data is collected from active and interested participants to measure a multitude of health parameters.

Aggregated and anonymized data collected from electronic health records, wearables, and health apps can help identify disease patterns, evaluate treatment outcomes, and support evidence-based decision-making in healthcare.

While eHealth offers numerous benefits, it is important to ensure data privacy and security, address disparities in digital access, and maintain a balance between technology and human-centered care.

Developing systems that are ideal for precisely such a task would definitely require a software partner with years of experience in the healthcare industry. A company like BGO Software is perfect for exactly this goal.

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eHealth

What is eHealth?

Examples of eHealth

Electronic Medical Records (EMRs)

Health Information Exchange (HIE)

Telemedicine

Mobile Health (mHealth)

Health Education & Awareness

Health Analytics

Benefits of eHealth

Improved access to healthcare

Optimized efficiency

Cost savings

Improved patient engagement

Better care coordination

Health monitoring and early intervention

Research and data analytics

Our expertise in depth

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Electronic Medical
Records (EMRs)

Health Information
Exchange (HIE)

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