Human-Centered Health Informatics: Visual Solutions In Ehr Development
Jonathan Mark Reid
Department of Computer Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Claire Elizabeth O'Neill
Department of Computer Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Abstract
The evolution of e-health systems—such as electronic health records (EHRs) and personal health records (PHRs)—is transforming the healthcare landscape by improving efficiency, patient safety, and cost-effectiveness. The adoption of computerized health information systems has demonstrated the potential to save approximately 60,000 lives annually, prevent over 500,000 medication errors, and reduce healthcare costs by an estimated $9.7 billion (Leapfrog, 2004). According to the World Health Organization, e-health refers to the cost-effective and secure use of information and communication technologies in support of healthcare services, health surveillance, education, and research.
E-health spans a wide range of applications, including telemedicine, electronic medical records, telecare, and consumer health informatics. As seen in other information-intensive industries—such as finance, retail, and aviation—the integration of digital technologies enables greater value creation and system efficiency. In healthcare, these technologies address the growing complexity of patient care and the vast data volumes generated by increasing population and disease burdens.
This paper examines the transformative potential of e-health systems in modern healthcare, focusing on their impact on service delivery, clinical outcomes, and data management. By leveraging technology, healthcare providers can streamline workflows, improve communication, and support informed decision-making—ultimately leading to enhanced patient care. The study emphasizes the strategic importance of e-health adoption in meeting future healthcare demands and promoting sustainable, data-driven health systems