Human-centred ehealth: current opportunities, challenges and the way forward for China

Human-centred ehealth: current opportunities, challenges and the way forward for China

Information and communication technology (ICT) is a global
catalyst for change. In 2009, China's State Council passed a long-awaited medical reform plan which promised to spend
¥850 billion (US$123 billion) by 2011 to provide universal medical service to the country's 1.3 billion population. This impetus was fuelled by growing public criticism of soaring medical fees, a lack of access to affordable medical services, poor physician–patient relationships and low medical insurance coverage. The potential of ICTs to contribute to health system transformation in China is recognised but there is as yet little progress or inclusion in the national strategy. The purpose of this article is
to illustrate key factors that could facilitate or hinder the use of ICTs to promote optimal human health (known as human-centred eHealth or HeH), through strengthened relationships between healthcare professionals and patients; continuous and sustainable joint efforts between healthcare teams and families; and alignment of hospitals and communities to improve health equitably throughout the population.

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