Health Care Information Systems

Module 10 E-Health Applications

The following objectives should be met by the end of this module:

• Discuss the history and the current state of the Internet
• Describe business strategies for HSOs using Internet and Intranet technology
• Define what an e-health application is and it's goals
• Become familiar with legal and ethical issues

These notes are intended only to supplement your readings. The best way to ensure each module is absorbed is to complete all the readings prior to reviewing these lecture notes. I will try to highlight what I believe to be the most important topics from your module readings. If you have any questions or concerns or there is something you do not understand, please ask me. You can either post on the webboard the question you have (that way others can benefit from the response), or you can e-mail me if you want a more private response. Either way it is extremely important that you have a complete and thorough understanding of the material for the module.

Internet technology has been embraced by HSOs as an effective and inexpensive way to "deliver comprehensive, integrated care". Since the 1990s, health care organizations have begun to rapidly utilize the Internet. Strategies for using the Internet for healthcare include:

• Improving internal business processes and services
• Establishing external linkages with business partners
• Increasing market share and stability
• Providing public service information to the community

Intranet is a term used to describe "internal Webs" or private computer networks based on Internet-derived technology. Intranets support a wide range of organizational goals and are involved in communication and distribution of information across the organization. Intranet applications include:

• Improving internal communication
• Distributing organizational information
• Delivering educational programs

Internet technology has many benefits for the healthcare organization. It is inexpensive, convenient to use, international in scope and is very user friendly. There are some disadvantages when beginning to use Internet technology in organizations. These include security issues, slow response time, and "being lost in cyberspace". This technology also encourages a change in the culture of the organization itself and must be managed well.

Recommendations for implementing Internet/Intranet technology:

1. Internet technologies must complement existing information systems
2. Establish a corporate-wide, interdisciplinary governance group to set policies, guidelines, technologies, and usage goals for Internet technology
3. Evaluate these technologies on current business strategies and processes
4. Develop a network of Internet experts who can support and advise
5. Ensure widespread access to Internet-derived technologies

There are several legal and ethical concerns relating to e-health.  Click on link on syllabus entitled Legal and regulatory Issues in E-health. to get an overview of these issues.