There is no consistent answer to the definition of e-Health. The definition depends on the purpose and field (medical practice, research, policy, etc.). On the international level, the definition is likewise inconsistent and therefore regulations do not promote or control the same things under the umbrella of e-Health. It becomes the first challenge for policy makers and regulators to create the definition that fits their situation (how oversight is distributed across a government, for instance). For some discussion of this, here is a report that might be helpful.

http://export.gov/industry/health/eg_main_086864.asp

Agree with Jennifer, there is no one consistent definition. :( It is always necessary to define e-health prior the study.

I agree with Jennifer, there is no consistent answer to the definition of e-Health. but, according to the WHO definition:

E-health is the transfer of health resources and health care by electronic means. It encompasses three main areas:

1. The delivery of health information, for health professionals and health consumers, through the Internet and telecommunications.

2. Using the power of IT and e-commerce to improve public health services, e.g. through the education and training of health workers.

3. The use of e-commerce and e-business practices in health systems management.

E-health provides a new method for using health resources - such as information, money, and medicines - and in time should help to improve efficient use of these resources.

I agree with the fact that an exact definition of e-health is complex and unclear. WHO definitions are often a useful starting point, but like e-health itself, the WHO leans towards very broad definitions that can be a 'catch-all' and include everything. This is compounded even more when we add related health services technology terminology into the 'rich mix' - whether assistive or otherwise i.e. i-health, m-health etc.

Thank you all for your valuble contributions.

Please if you know any related referene, this will be helpful

E-health is the intersection of medical informatics, public health and business,

referring to health services and information delivered or enhanced through the Internet and related technologies. In a broader sense, the term characterizes not only a technical development, but also a state-of-mind, a way of thinking, an attitude, and a

commitment for networked, global thinking, to improve health care locally, regionally, and worldwide by using information and communication technology (Eysenbach, 2001).

Just to add to the confusion the Australian Government is now moving away from ehealth to use the term Digital Health as it refers to the My Health record formerly the PCEHR.

Thank you all scholars and colleagues for the valuable input. I think this concept "e-health" needs further development and clarification.

 Thank you Christina, 

your answer is elaborative and helpful

In general anything dealing with electronic devices for providing healthcare or preventive services are included in eHealth and can include a broad range of topics like mHealth, iHealth among others.

Thank you all scholars for the valuable input. you contribution added alot to our search. highly appreciated

Based on Reimagining Healthcare Delivery in Canada,   e-Health offers proactive top-quality learning, opportunities to network with organizations and people that value quality health information as well as effective integrated system solutions.

With the contributions of all the RG colleagues on our question early this year 2016 on e-health, we were able to produce the attached paper on the concept maturity of e-health. Hope this paper give a better understanding for the current status of this concept.

Regards to all