Abstract
The cost of health care is increasing exponentially worldwide. The adoption and diffusion of e-health and the application of Internet and Communication Technology (ICT) in health care is growing at a rapid rate in an attempt to find cost-effective methods of providing quality health care. Both European and US governments are making e-health a priority on their agendas. However, few, if any, discuss the critical issues of the sustainability and feasibility of e-health models. We attempt to fill this critical void by presenting a macro framework that identifies the key components of a generic e-health system and identifying factors playing a role in the assessment of e-health sustainability.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Asset Model: Components of business model that define the assets owned by the business entity.
Demand Model: Components of business model that define the customer needs and wants.
Cost Model: Components of business model that define the cost sources for the organization.
E-Business Model: A business model where either the product or process or selling agent is partially or completely electronic.
Revenue Model: Components of business model that define the sources of revenue for the organization.
E-Health: The offering of health care products and services using Web-based technologies.
Intangible Asset: Assets such as goodwill, reputation, and brand recognition.
Sustainability: The long-term survivability of the business entity.