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The multiple faces of the e-patient, if not disabled
M Cristina Mazzoleni1, Franco Corbella
1S. Maugeri Foundation IRCCS, Pavia, Italy. cmazzoleni@fsm.it
Studies in Health Technology and Informatics
|November 17, 2006
Summary
The e-patient, a new figure in healthcare, leverages digital tools for health management. However, many disabled patients face exclusion due to inaccessible health websites, highlighting a significant digital divide.
Area of Science:
- Health Informatics
- Digital Health
- Patient Empowerment
Background:
- The emergence of e-health has paved the way for the concept of the 'e-patient'.
- The e-patient represents a growing demographic actively engaging with health information online.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define and characterize the 'e-patient' from multiple perspectives.
- To review the existing literature on e-patients, identifying key traits and challenges.
Main Methods:
- A non-systematic literature review was conducted.
- Analysis focused on identifying common characteristics and concerns associated with e-patients.
Main Results:
- A preliminary profile of the current e-patient has been established.
- Significant uncertainties and potential risks associated with the e-patient phenomenon were identified.
- A notable asymmetry exists between online health information evaluation and traditional face-to-face consultations.
Conclusions:
- The e-patient role is evolving, presenting both opportunities and challenges in healthcare.
- Inaccessibility of health-related websites poses a significant barrier, largely excluding disabled patients from the e-patient community.
- Addressing digital divides and ensuring web accessibility are crucial for inclusive e-health.
