A systematic review of reviews to identify key research opportunities within the field of eHealth implementation

Abstract

Introduction This paper is a systematic review of the relevant literature surrounding the implementation and utilisation of eHealth to identify key challenges and opportunities to future eHealth applications. Methods NHS Evidence, PubMed, IEEE Explorer, Cochrane Library and JMIR Publications were all searched for reviews published between 1 January 2010 and 30 June 2017. Results A total of 47 papers met the final inclusion criterion. The published literature focused on a wide array of challenges categorised into five areas, facing the implementation and utilisation of eHealth; from this, four areas of opportunity to advance eHealth were identified. Discussion The five challenge areas are (C1) stakeholders and system users, (C2) technology and interoperability, (C3) cost-effectiveness and start-up costs, (C4) legal clarity and legal framework and (C5) local context and regional differences. The four opportunity areas are (O1) participation and contribution, (O2) foundation and sustainability, (O3) improvement and productivity and (O4) identification and application. Conclusion The literature analysed in this systematic review identifies design and implementation priorities that can guide the development and utilisation of future eHealth initiatives.