What Is eHealth (4): A Scoping Exercise to Map the Field
2005

Mapping the Field of eHealth

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Claudia Pagliari, David Sloan, Peter Gregor, Frank Sullivan, Don Detmer, James P Kahan, Wija Oortwijn, Steve MacGillivray

Primary Institution: University of Edinburgh

Hypothesis

What is the scope and definition of eHealth within the health informatics field?

Conclusion

The field of eHealth is characterized by diverse definitions and applications, primarily emphasizing the use of digital technologies in healthcare.

Supporting Evidence

  • The term eHealth emerged in 2000 and has since gained prevalence in health policy.
  • Definitions of eHealth vary widely, emphasizing different applications and stakeholders.
  • Most definitions highlight the use of networked digital technologies, primarily the Internet.

Takeaway

eHealth is about using the internet and technology to help people manage their health better. It's like having a doctor in your pocket!

Methodology

The study involved exploring multiple databases and thematic analysis of definitions related to eHealth.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the non-systematic nature of the literature search and reliance on available definitions.

Limitations

The research did not perform an exhaustive systematic review of definitions and relied on easily accessible sources.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.2196/jmir.7.1.e9

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