User Perception of New E-Health Challenges: Implications for the Care Process

Abstract

Establishing new models of health care and new forms of professional health-patient communication are lines of development in the field of health care. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the evolution of information systems and communication platforms to guarantee continuity of care and compliance with social distancing measures. Our objective in this article was, firstly, to know the expectations of patients treated in the healthcare processes “cervical cancer” and “pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium” regarding online access to their clinical history and follow-up in the care process. Secondly, we analyzed times involved in the cervical cancer process to find points of improvement in waiting times when digital tools were used for communication with the patient. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 120 women included in any of the aforementioned processes using a hetero-administered questionnaire. The analysis of times was carried out using the Business Intelligence tool Biwer Analytics®. Patients showed interest in knowing their results before the appointment with the doctor and would avoid appointments with their doctor if the right conditions were met. Most recognized that this action would relieve their restlessness and anxiety. They were highly interested in receiving recommendations to improve their health status. It was estimated that there was room for improvement in the times involved in the care process, which could be shortened by 34.48 days if communication of results were through digital information access technologies. This would favor the optimization of time, resources and user perception.

Perceived Benefits and Disadvantages Associated with the Use of the Electronic Consultation Register by Health Providers in the Health District of Toma, Burkina Faso

“…However, this must be preceded by one or more descriptions of the effects of this digitalization, which may be harmful depending on the economic, cultural, and health contexts. [ 22 ]…”

“…This may lead to fewer consultations in the health and social promotion centers that use an ECR. [ 22 ] In addition, to limit waiting time, some patients may prefer to avoid going there and practice self-medication, which is becoming more and more of a public health problem. [ 23 ]…”

Experiences with Wearable Sensors in Oncology during Treatment: Lessons Learned from Feasibility Research Projects in Denmark

“…eHealth has been known for the past two decades and continuously evolves [7], compromising many tested methods and emerging new technologies [8]. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was shown that some eHealth interventions, such as phone and video consultations could be implemented relatively quickly in the hospital setting [9][10][11], and many health authorities, including the Danish health authorities, now have increased focus on innovation and research based on eHealth that can be used in the healthcare setting to increase patient quality of life while taking some of the burdens off hospitals [12][13][14]. Some eHealth solutions are already implemented in hospitals, for example, electronic health records and, to some extent, online video consultation.…”