E-Health Key Points:

1. Introduction to Digital Health:

• The healthcare industry is undergoing a significant transformation with the

advent of Information Communication Technology (ICT).

• The goal is to provide quality, affordable, accessible, equitable, and

efficient health for all.

• Digital health, or ICT in healthcare, involves using digital technologies to

improve health from conceptualization to application.

2. Digital Health vs. eHealth:

• Digital health encompasses smart devices, data storage, and big data
analytics.

• Terms like eHealth, medical informatics, and telehealth have been used
over the years to describe ICT applications in healthcare.

• Digital health goes beyond these terms, allowing flexibility for diverse
purposes.

3. Uses of Digital Health Interventions:

• Digital health aims to improve health and wellness in alignment with

national health strategies and global objectives.

• It is used for digital disease surveillance, electronic medical records, social

health insurance, and health education and interventions.

• Recognized by the World Health Organization as crucial for Universal

Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goals.

4. Digital Health in the Philippines:

• Digital health in the Philippines dates back to the 1960s, with early
telemedicine initiatives.

• The National Telehealth Center was established in 1998 to develop cost-

effective ICT tools for underserved communities.

• In 2009, a global survey highlighted the need for ICT training for
healthcare professionals.

• The National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA) recognized digital

health as a priority from 2011-2016.

5. Vision, Components, and Strategic Phases:

 • The Philippine Health Strategic Framework and Plan (PeHSFP) for 2014-2020
outlines the vision for eHealth.

• The implementation includes three phases: Standardize and connect,

Transform, and Maintaining and measuring.

• Key stakeholders issued supporting policies to ensure continuous funding

and support services.

6. Components of eHealth:

• Governance coordinates health activities and includes agenda setting

and policy oversight.

• Legislation, Policy, and Compliance are essential to support the eHealth

vision.

• Standards and Interoperability enable the exchange of health

information.

• Strategy and Investment provide funding support and guidance.

• Infrastructure establishes necessary technology and platforms.

• Human resources are needed to develop and maintain the eHealth plan.

• eHealth Solutions include services and applications for widespread access

to healthcare services and information exchange.