What is E-Health?

E-health is a term associated with online medical services. It may include the use of the Internet for a health care dialogue between patient and doctor for diagnosis of a particular ailment, for ongoing care or for non-specific, but regularly occurring, consultation. The term may also be used in reference to the use of electronic record keeping, which allows easy transfer or archiving of patients' information. Or it could refer an Internet user visiting a website that contains information about specific ailments, diseases or treatments in order to research a health issue she or a loved one is experiencing.

The scarcity of trained medical personnel in certain parts of the world has led to the use of computers equipped with a web cam as a means of communication between doctor and patient. In some cases, they may be separated by hundreds or even thousands of miles or kilometers. These consultations may be used for an emergency or be temporary in nature. In situations or areas where conditions of availability are unlikely to change, however, this e-health practice may be permanent and even regular. This approach is classified informational by many medical professionals, as "hands-on" contact is not possible.

There is the all too apparent need in case of an emergency for medical personnel to have quick access to a patient's medical history. This may be difficult for patients who don’t have regular doctors or have recently moved. Using e-health to electronically store and transfer medical files saves time and, in some cases, may even save lives. In countries such as Great Britain, patient histories going back decades are being converted from paper to electronic storage.

Many e-health sites also embrace the concept of self-diagnosis and therapy. Some people, though a very small number, simply feel more comfortable in dabbling with the benefits of a holistic approach to health that usually includes an emphasis on diet, prevention and exercise. Their interests may range from dried herbs to vegetarianism to martial arts. All sorts of information in those disciplines is available on the Internet. In a more traditional sense, a number of web sites authored or headed by medical professionals from a variety of disciplines offer suggestions, insight and information while offering a disclaimer for the “patient” to see a doctor.

The medical profession is integrating the use of electronic data storage and transmission into its daily activities, and the use of the Internet to learn medical information grows rapidly. In some areas, e-health has allowed people to receive professional care who might otherwise have to suffer in silence due to a lack of resources. The practice has also led way to several new options for doctors wishing to make a worldwide impact.