E-Health Care Information Systems: An Introduction for Students and Professionals

E-Health Care Information Systems: An Introduction for Students and Professionals, a book by Dr. Joseph Tan, epitomizes a storehouse of innovative concepts, tested theories and practical know-hows about the past, the present and the future of E-Health Care Information Systems. The book uses a multi-theoretical and field-tested approach towards the application of e-health care ideas in existing, traditional business models. The author not only summarizes multiple perspectives but also reflects on the current challenges in the globally changing environment of e-health care applications due to the growing popularity of the Internet and fast-paced advancing computing and networking technologies. Through the use of relevant case studies, the author also helps shape some of the key ideas discussed and illustrates different aspects of e-health care issues and challenges faced in sustaining the e-business paradigm. Among the key e-health care factors addressed in the book is the purpose and benefits of e-health records, the importance of e-networking, the development of e-medicine in developed and developing countries and the emphasis of health care in home and tele-home care. In general, the 16 chapters of the book may be roughly grouped into five parts, although each chapter stands out on its own. The first two chapters of Part I provide a detailed e-health overview by identifying the basic components of an e-health system and focus on specific alignment of e-health in today’s world. Chapter 1 introduces the history of computing in health care and recognizes how this process relates to the evolution of the e-health paradigm. This chapter lays out the underlying basic components of an e-health system and recognizes the pressures an e-health system faces due to changing demographics, changing governments, a changing e-technology marketplace, and changing health care environments. Chapter 2 moves to realize how the e-health paradigm shift has resulted in business models that differ from traditional health care. Overall, the emphasis is on identifying the primary goals and benefits of e-health systems by articulating the range of potential barriers and challenges to implementing e-health applications. Part II, Chapters 3 through 6, focuses the discussion on e-health foundations. Chapter 3 offers an in-depth understanding of various ehealth perspectives. This chapter allows the reader to take a closer look at the gradual breakdown of conventional thinking about organized BOOK REVIEW