What is e-Health?

e-Health is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “the use of information and communications technology in support of health and health-related fields”. Ten years ago, this was often limited to the use of computers to view test results, rudimentary electronic health records, or teleconsultation for those living in remote geographies. Today, it encompasses a wide range of uses, from mobile health (m-Health) to telehealth, and increasingly underpins all healthcare activity. Different domains of e-Health and WHO definition:

e-Health: The use of information and communications technology in support of health and health-related fields

m-Health: The use of mobile wireless technologies for health

Digital health: A broad umbrella term encompassing e-Health (which includes m-Health), as well as emerging areas, such as the use of advanced computing sciences in “big data”, genomics and artificial intelligence

Telehealth: The use of telecommunications and virtual technology to deliver health care outside of traditional healthcare facilities