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An e‐health trend plan for the Jordanian health care system: a review

Ali Ahamd Awad Rawabdeh (Department of Hospital Management, Faculty of Administrative and Financial Sciences, Philadelphia University, Amman, Jordan)

International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance

ISSN: 0952-6862

Article publication date: 11 September 2007

2260

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the potential of e‐health by focusing explicitly on the delivery of health care products and services. The examination of e‐health activity is guided by one broad research question, “What is the potential for constructing e‐health strategy as an innovative health technology?”. A great amount of attention has been given to e‐health activity in the present day. However important this form of e‐health is, this type of service simply does not face the same constraints that must be addressed by those actually delivering health care services.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers employed a qualitative data collection technique to formulate more examples and cases to derive lessons for Jordan. Phone interviews in a random sample were conducted with corporate officers in Jordan in order to reveal the internal organizational structure and business trends, interface issues, marketing strategies, as well as comparing and contrasting the online health world to the traditional health care realm.

Findings

Internet‐related projects is a top priority for health care information technology executives in the present day, with a cautious approach toward “e‐health”, as many products have yet to mature, and that the “click and mortar” model may perhaps be the optimal strategy for e‐health in Jordan.

Research limitations/implications

This paper reviews the e‐health trends to demonstrate the tremendous potential for health‐related commercial activity on the internet. However, the researcher examining the barriers facing e‐health to the Jordanian health system also pointed out almost insurmountable challenges.

Practical implications

Despite the apparent promise of e‐health, its instability is measured by its failure so far to systematically penetrate the organization of health care. Beyond the pragmatic negotiation of e‐health in the immediate context of clinical practice, there are wider issues about how the development/implementation of e‐health is funded, about its organization and management at the policy level; and about its potential medico‐legal risks.

Originality/value

It is hoped that the handful of ventures into cyber medicine appears to be coming from a few enterprising physicians who have set up medical practices on the Web.

Keywords

Citation

Ahamd Awad Rawabdeh, A. (2007), "An e‐health trend plan for the Jordanian health care system: a review", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 20 No. 6, pp. 516-531. https://doi.org/10.1108/09526860710819459

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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