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CLINICAL REVIEW: Jeremy C Wyatt and Frank Sullivan eHealth and the future: promise or peril? BMJ 2005; 331: 1391-1393 [Full text]

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eHealth is an emerging field for global community of health care providers and consumers

Prof Dr.Jogenananda Pramanik.MD, Tanu Pramanik,Lecturer,American Global University,Curacao,Netherlands Antilles   (19 April 2009)

eHealth is an emerging field for global community of health care providers and consumers 19 April 2009
Prof Dr.Jogenananda Pramanik.MD, Professor & Director of Collaborative Studies MAHSA University College,Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia, Tanu Pramanik,Lecturer,American Global University,Curacao,Netherlands Antilles Send response to journal: Re: eHealth is an emerging field for global community of health care providers and consumers	We do applaude the view point of Jeremy C Wyatt and Frank Sullivan.Here we put forward a brief outline of our view in this emerging field for entire health related community. Personal point of view: Background: A growing number of leaders in the health care industry have recognized that the time has come to develop and articulate the vision of a greatly improved health care system enabled by information technology. Objectives: Total machinery of eHealth should focus on engaging multiple and diverse stakeholders--including hospitals and other healthcare organizations, clinician groups, consumer and patient groups, employers and purchasers, health plans, healthcare information technology organizations, manufacturers, public health agencies, academic and research institutions, and public sector stakeholders--to define and then implement specific actions that will address the quality, safety and efficiency challenges of our healthcare system through the use of interoperable information technology. It promises to revolutionize health care by reducing errors, improving the quality of care delivered, reducing costs, and empowering consumers to better understand and address their own health care needs. Significant obstacles stand in the way of realizing the promise of eHealth, including the lack of health care system interoperability and widespread adoption of clinical data standards, outdated policies related to reimbursement, concerns about privacy and security, and lack of investment in innovation and technology. A well designed policy is urgently required to respond to these barriers through advocacy, education and other informational activities, serving as a powerful and visible voice for the health care community in the public policy arena. Mission: To drive improvement in the quality, safety and efficiency of healthcare through information and information technology. Vision: Consumers, health care providers, and those responsible for population health will have ready access to timely, relevant, reliable and secure information and services through an interconnected, electronic health information infrastructure to support better health and healthcare. Reference: 1.The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,India has sought feedback and comments on the Draft National Health Bill, 2009. http://mohfw. nic.in/NRHM/ Draft_Bill. htm. Competing interests: None declared