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 .