Consumers of online health services have increased due to the information technology development in the past few years. Education, research, consultation and different types of services are accessible to people on communication networks. There are many studies related to offering health and medical services on the internet in different aspects such as education, consultation and informatics [1], [2] and [3]. Investigations suggested that people are interested in using e-health services due to convenience, being anonymous and uncomfortable on face to face visit or consultation [4]. Since 7,500,000 out of our population are internet users [5]; it seems essential to provide policies to raise the use of internet based health services. Related to improving IT programs, it is required to analyze important elements of offering internet based health services. And provide policies to improve IT in different areas based on other experiences [6] and [7].

In this article, we discuss effective parameters on internet based health services based on our study on e-health services in general, and Internet based health services in Iran. Initially, the significance of facile accessibility to e-health services is determined. Then essential communicative infrastructures are discussed. Following, e-health services partitioned to areas such as education, consultation, medical information and health message are investigated. Then by discussing around essentials and difficulties, advises will be given to overcome challenges. Finally the ways to promote IT in this area and to enhance benefit and use of internet based health services will be proposed.

 

Key Words: Internet, e-Health, Health Services, Information Technology

Authors:

Presentation:
Virtual

Thematic:
Internet, redes y servicios Web