A Roadmap for the Adoption of e-Health

Electronic health (e-health) refers to the delivery of health care with support from various information and communication technologies, such as electronic health records, telemedicine, clinical decision support, and computerized provider order entry. E-health is considered by government, providers, and payers as a primary method of improving quality, safety, and costs associated with the delivery of health care. Although currently on a pedestal, e-health has not been readily adopted by a majority of health care providers in the United States. To achieve greater adoption and use of technology in health care, the health care community needs a roadmap, or model for adoption, that can be used to develop a business case to lower risk for providers who adopt and use technology in clinical practice. This article suggests such a roadmap. The roadmap advocates for (1) greater dissemination of implementation best practices, (2) continued development of a strong e-health workforce, and (3) sustainable resources to help those seeking to adopt and use e-health technologies in clinical practice. The e-health community is invited to advance the roadmap to assist providers in embracing and utilizing information and communication technologies for health care system improvements.