Analysis of the Types of e-Business of the Healthcare Information Provision Service on the Internet

Objective: To define the healthcare information industry in order to propose a developmental direction for the industry, classify and analyze the healthcare information industry business models, and propose strategic guidelines for development of the healthcare information industry. Methods: A survey was conducted to investigate the private companies that provide healthcare information. For in-depth investigation of the study subjects, they were categorized based on their means of service provision. Open colloquium participation requests were extended to the representative companies, and five opencolloquiums were held. Additional data were obtained through a structured questionnaire investigating the problems and complaints, followed by a discussion on strategies and future plans. Results: Through a review of previous research on internet business model classification, four major model classification systems were chosen and the healthcare information business models were classified. Based on the composite opinions derived from the participating companies, policy guidelines were proposed. Conclusion: It is important to cooperate with experts from each field under governmental supervision and help the general public appreciate the value of healthcare information, thereby achieving the industrialization and development of the health information provision business. (Journal of Korean Society of Medical Informatics 15-3, 255-263, 2009)