1960s – technical uses of computers for biomedical and engineering purposes (e.g. calculating appropriate radiation dosages, etc.)
1970s – applications in medical labs and hospitals for record keeping, and for medical research (using mini-computers and mainframes)
1980s – advent of PC and communications networks widened scope of applications, with much experimentation in functions performed
1990s – explosion of administrative applications and growth in clinical applications, primarily in hospitals and other institutions. Internet communications began to have a major impact on spread of knowledge about health among consumers.
History of eHealth (2/2)
2000 – the term “eHealth” came into use. Efforts began to develop EHR standards, and development of communication linkages among proprietary systems.
2005 – significant efforts underway to develop common EHR standards, and overcome difficulties due to “silos” that have grown up over the years as “legacy” systems. Major difficulties due to differing levels of automation in communicating entities. Maintaining privacy and confidentiality has become an over-riding issue.
Average spending on IT in health still far below other industries
Electronic health records , consolidated health information, and integrated decision support tools at point of care to reduce medical errors, improve health system efficiency;
Internet enabled consumer health information tools to empower consumers to interact with care providers in new ways and to manage their health more actively.
