eHealth

This chapter provides an overview of eHealth considering some of the key terminology. Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales all have identified specific strategies to address eHealth development, whereas England have introduced it in the 'Five Year Forward View' and have developed supporting work-stream road maps and a resource for commissioners. The World Health Organisation, which was not included within this systematic review, encompasses the two universal themes and defines eHealth as 'the use of information and communication technologies for health to, for example, treat patients, pursue research, educate students, track diseases and monitor public health'. Telehealth is the provision of health services at a distance using a range of digital technologies and mobile technologies. mHealth or mCare refers to mobile health or mobile care and uses mobile devices to extend the principles of telecare and telehealth. The evidence to support the use of eHealth and in particular telehealthcare by community nurses to manage individuals in the community is increasing.