A model for measuring e-health status across the world

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Global Health Policy
• Digital Health Assessment

Background:

• E-health significantly enhances healthcare quality globally.
• Disparities exist in e-health development and implementation worldwide.
• A standardized assessment model is needed to address these global differences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel model for assessing and comparing e-health status across different countries.
• To establish a framework for evaluating national e-health capabilities.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional design was employed.
• Five key e-health status indicators were identified and weighted.
• Sampling was based on International Telecommunication Union (ITU) information and communication technology groupings, with random selection within strata.

Main Results:

• A validated model for measuring e-health status was successfully developed.
• The model generated e-health status scores for Iran and other participating countries.
• Content validity and test-retest reliability were confirmed for the assessment tool.

Conclusions:

• The developed model can be utilized by international organizations like the ITU for country-level e-health grading.
• Higher e-health grades indicate greater potential for successful e-health development and deployment.
• This model provides a valuable tool for global e-health strategy and policy.