E-health in inflammatory bowel diseases: More challenges than opportunities?
Peter Bossuyt1, Lieven Pouillon2, Guillaume Bonnaud3
1Imelda GI clinical research centre, Imelda General Hospital Bonheiden, Bonheiden, Belgium.
Abstract:
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease need close monitoring for an optimal disease management. For this, e-health technologies are promising tools. But the current evidence for the implementation of e-health in inflammatory bowel disease is weak. For this a critical evaluation of the existing evidence is presented. Furthermore some essential conditions need to be full-filled. We need a robust digital infrastructure that is workable for the patient and the healthcare provider. Important legal issues need to be solved to protect the patient. And the e-health technologies will have to proof their durability, feasibility and acceptance for the patient on the long term.
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