CONCLUSION

The e-Health revolution has been on a slow burner for many years but the advent of
mobile and wearable technologies (from m-Health to smart watches), Big Data and the
Internet of Things provide an array of new possibilities for e-Health as vast amounts of
health data can in theory be (self-)generated, transmitted, stored and analyzed.

Although many health systems are still paper based with physical consultations being the
preferred mode, clearly preventing the implementation of new technology-based systems,
even where they are ‘e-Health ready’, this does not automatically mean that existing
procedures permit or enable making effective use of all this information.

As we can clearly see from the study, there is growing traction for e-healthcare services
among the younger age groups. More and more people should be educated about the
potential of e-healthcare as an effective tool to provide the best of consultations and
addressing issues like shortage of doctors and overcrowded hospitals.

Health systems are unable to make best use of the opportunities afforded by e-Health as
institutional framework are not aligned with it. A lack of transformation also complicates
the user experience (where solutions are already applied, e.g. insufficient user-
friendliness) and continuity of care, especially in a cross-border healthcare context.
Transforming systems in a way that would give patients and health professionals more of
an active role, as users of new technology in the care continuum, is a priority. However,
it also remains important to ensure that e-Health solutions are safe in terms of individuals’
privacy, and protected from the commercial interests of industry actors who wish to ‘get
to know’ patients by tracking them and their behaviors.
SUGGESTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

As the research data suggests, e-healthcare faces a trust deficit among middle aged
people and senior citizens. Government should work with leading healthcare chains and
healthcare NGOs to educate and create awareness among people for e-healthcare.

Companies that provide e-healthcare facilities must set up kiosks demonstrating test
cases of e-health delivery so that consumers can get familiar with them. Leading hospital
chains must be encouraged to set up e-healthcare services as patients will be more likely
to use them if they see a recognized brand associated with the service.

Privacy of users is one the central issues in the digitizing healthcare. Government must
work with social groups to frame a stringent Privacy law to ensure that users’ data is not
misused against the wishes and authorization of the users.