Exploring the Benefits of E-Health: How Digital Health is Changing the Future of Healthcare
The healthcare industry has been revolutionized by the emergence of digital health or e-health. This has resulted in the development of innovative tools and services that have transformed the way healthcare is delivered, improving patient outcomes, and reducing healthcare costs. In this article, we explore the benefits of e-health and how it is changing the future of healthcare.
The Benefits of E-Health
More than ever, patients demand personalized care that meets their unique needs, preferences, and health conditions. One of the major benefits of e-health is that it empowers patients to take control of their health by providing them with access to health information, tools, and services. This includes, but it’s not limited to:
Better access to healthcare services
E-health has enabled patients to consult with their doctors or specialists, regardless of their location, thanks to telemedicine services. This has greatly improved access to healthcare services for patients who live in remote or underserved areas.
Increased patient engagement
E-health tools such as mobile apps, wearables, and portals have transformed the way patients engage with their healthcare providers. These tools enable patients to monitor their health, track their treatment progress, and communicate with their doctors in real-time. As a result, patients are more proactive in managing their health, which leads to better health outcomes.
Reduced healthcare costs
E-health has the potential to reduce healthcare costs significantly by streamlining administrative tasks, eliminating duplicate testing, and reducing hospital readmissions. A study by Deloitte predicted that e-health could save the US healthcare system $300 billion over the next 10 years.
Improved care coordination
E-health has enabled better communication and coordination among healthcare providers, improving the quality of care and reducing medical errors. This is because e-health tools provide real-time access to patient information, allowing each healthcare provider to make informed decisions based on accurate information.
Examples of E-Health Success Stories
Several healthcare providers have already embraced e-health, and they are already reaping the benefits. Here are some examples of e-health success stories in the healthcare industry:
Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic, a non-profit medical center in the US, has been using telemedicine services to improve access to healthcare services for patients. They have reported a 40% reduction in hospitalizations and a 26% reduction in costs for patients who received telemedicine services.
Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente, an integrated managed care consortium in the US, has been using electronic health records (EHRs) to improve care coordination among healthcare providers. They have reported a 20% reduction in hospital admissions and a significant reduction in medical errors.
Conclusion
The benefits of e-health are undeniable. E-health has transformed the way healthcare is delivered, providing patients with better access to healthcare services, increased patient engagement, reduced healthcare costs, and improved care coordination. As healthcare providers continue to embrace e-health, we can expect to see even greater benefits in the years to come.
