2. Inadequate evidence regarding the efficacy of e-health applications persists.
Opinions abound regarding the insufficiency or inadequate research surrounding the quality and effectiveness of e-health applications. For instance, a content analysis of hypertension-related applications concluded that the majority exhibited subpar quality32 .
Proponents of e-health applications argue that technology fortifies patients’ position within the healthcare ecosystem and serves as a fundamental element enabling the realization of patient-centered care ideals33 . However, critics assert that many contemporary e-health solutions lack a robust evidence base, suffer from limited accessibility by primary care physicians, and fail to adequately address privacy concerns or obtain informed consent7-34 . E-health has played a pivotal role during the current COVID-19 pandemic, and numerous frontline physicians recognize the necessity of enhancing online communication with patients. This period has yielded valuable evidence in the realms of telemedicine and online mental health services35-36 . Additional factors influencing the utilization and adoption of e-health in daily practice are linked to healthcare providers’ preferences. For instance, the inclination to evaluate patients through face-to-face consultations and negative perceptions regarding the impact of e-consultations on the patient-physician relationship37 . The displacement of face-to-face contact by e-health necessitates a reevaluation of the role, significance, and implications of human interaction in primary care38 . Moreover, the fact that the effectiveness of many new e-health applications remains unexplored further underscores the existence of an evidence gap within this domain39 .
If the use of an e-health application poses challenges for family doctors in their daily practice or results in increased costs, job insecurity, and income loss, it is not uncommon for family physicians to refrain from utilizing such applications. Coordinated efforts between academia, field professionals, and industry stakeholders, rooted in a shared understanding, are poised to offer utilitarian solutions that enhance the motivation and engagement of healthcare service providers in this regard37 .