Is E-health really important?

E-health has become a growing phenomenon with several governments putting effort to achieve the electronic transformation of patient's health and medical data. In order to ease the data retrieval in future, the patient's details are being compiled and stored. Time will help know how fruitful can be such efforts.

Tracing origins to late 1990's, it has undergone several changes in terminology. The term, however, settled for the electronic storage, transmission and retrieval of health information at a later stage. The medical field has increasingly felt its need due to the abrupt increase in medical cases over a period of time.

In some countries, the government through its health department has directed to create a separate section for the purpose. Several people at various levels have been employed to carry out survey and collect health details. The role of information technology has become inherent and significant in this regard.

With a certain amount of funds dedicated exclusively for the purpose, the state- owned agencies employed have started collecting relevant details from the hospitals, physicians' offices and other state recognized medical centers. Collected data is stored on the server or hard drive. This task is expected to allow accessibility by the medical units located far and wide.

Importance of this concept is highlighted on the foundation that the information can be retrieved even after several years for emergency requirements. The diagnosis is likely to ease once the doctor's panel comes to know the intricate details of the patient's health. Time and energy can be used for immediate medical attention and treatment with a ray of hope for patient's survival.

The records not only include the basic details like blood group, age and gender but other health related issues too. Information like prescribed drugs, blood works and scans and other related medical reports are also included. Childhood vaccinations, allergy conditions, chronic disease management like diabetes and hypertension also form a part of patient's health record.

E-health can succeed only if there is total transparency in providing or obtaining the patient's health information. The unpredictable future can be at rescue of the patient whenever any health emergency arises. It also helps him elongating his life if timely and critical decisions are carefully taken by the health care providers looking at the previous medical history.