e-Health - health care through the internet

e-Health, the employment of information and communication technology for health care, offers promising opportunities for quality enhancement and cost containment of health care delivery. In this paper we accumulate evidence for the efficacy of internet interventions designed to promote a healthy lifestyle (such as weight control and low risk alcohol consumption), to reinforce self-management of chronic somatic conditions (such as headache), and to overcome mental health problems (such as depression and anxiety disorders). Evidence suggests that internet interventions may be equally effective as regular face-to-face interventions. Current research aims at cost effectiveness, at mobile devices for online monitoring and coaching, at successful components of online-treatment, and at effective implementation strategies. We identified problems such as e-therapy adherence and challenges such as the delivery of e-health care per target population based upon a stepped care approach. We conclude that e-health is here to stay and will fully integrate into all aspects of health care delivery.