eHealth Turning Points as Forced by the Covid-19 Dramatic Experience.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Informatics
• Sociology of Science

Background:

• The Covid-19 pandemic in fall 2021 highlighted widespread feelings of scientific and administrative helplessness in controlling the global health crisis.
• Societal structures and responses were significantly impacted by the ongoing pandemic.
• Existing healthcare systems faced unprecedented strain, necessitating innovative solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reflect on the challenges and setbacks encountered during the Covid-19 pandemic.
• To analyze relevant aspects of social organization in the context of public health emergencies.
• To propose an actionable agenda for leveraging eHealth (electronic health) to improve support for individuals and diverse population segments.

Main Methods:

• Review of societal and scientific responses to the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Analysis of existing social organizational structures.
• Exploration of selected eHealth (electronic health) initiatives and case studies.

Main Results:

• Identification of critical areas where scientific and administrative actions were perceived as insufficient.
• Recognition of the role of social organization in pandemic response.
• Examples of eHealth (electronic health) applications demonstrating potential benefits.

Conclusions:

• eHealth (electronic health) offers significant potential to enhance support for individuals and populations during health crises.
• A proactive and open agenda for eHealth (electronic health) development and implementation is crucial.
• Addressing the identified challenges requires a multi-faceted approach involving scientific, administrative, and societal collaboration.