Healthcare Users' Experience with E-Health: Benefits, Drawbacks, and the Future

Abstract

Turkey has undergone significant structural changes in its healthcare system through the implementation of the Health Transformation Programme (H.T.P.) since 2003. This initiative aimed at enhancing accessibility to health services for all citizens, with universal health coverage (U.H.C.) being a cornerstone. However, despite these efforts, disparities exist in the distribution of healthcare infrastructure and professionals throughout the country, which impede the effectiveness of U.H.C. alone in improving accessibility. One pivotal aspect of the H.T.P. is the integration of e-health applications, playing a crucial role in supporting U.H.C. objectives. E-health, or electronic health, refers to the use of information technologies in the health sector aiming at ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of health services, providing rapid access for citizens, and sustaining data sharing with relevant stakeholders. To fully harness the benefits of e-health, it is essential not only for healthcare professionals but also for users to be knowledgeable about these applications and have access to them. Consequently, this study aims to assess the awareness and usage of e-health applications among healthcare users in Turkey. The study has realized that awareness and utilization of e-health applications vary among users from diverse demographic and socio-economic backgrounds.