e-Health is a facilitator not an alternative to conventional healthcare

Interview with Michael Clarke, Director, Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) at IDRC, Canada: “I don't think the application of ICT in healthcare is the solution in itself, as technology-based diagnostic systems can overlook some of the complexities of a typical case. The physician needs to understand not only the biological context, which that patient presents, but also the socio-economic context that the patient brings with him. In my view, direct doctor-patient interaction is of paramount importance to quality healthcare. We should be circumspect about telemedicine applications, as they don't necessarily include the element of personal touch.

However, at the same time I must add that though not an alternative, e-Health has great potential to emerge as a facilitator to conventional healthcare through the provision of services to locations where conventional systems do not reach. For example, the management and follow-up of the patients through video conferencing is a very wise application of ICT, which can enable doctors to remotely monitor their patients. Internet-based web cam monitoring applications is also there. However, here also there is a catch; the patients concerned need access to these fairly high-end technologies. Then only e-Health will be a reality for them in the true sense.”

Source: eHealth Online (www.ehealthonline.org/)
Reed the full interview here: http://www.ehealthonline.org/interview/interview-details.asp?interviewid=161