Title: Principles and effects of electronic communication systems between healthcare providers and managed-care organisations

Authors: Stamatia Ilioudi, Athina Lazakidou

Addresses: Athens University of Economics and Business, Pattision Str. 76, GR-10434, Athens, Greece. ' Department of Technology Education & Digital Systems, University of Piraeus, Karaoli & Dimitriou Str. 80, GR-18534, Piraeus, Greece

Abstract: The present paper studies the issue of electronic communication among healthcare providers, patients and Managed-Care Organisations (MCOs) and how this communication could be exploited in order to increase the quality of health services. Specifically, we review the existing electronic communication systems in health and how they are used by the stakeholders and the medical staff. After reviewing the barriers to using online communication in clinical practice, we emphasise the challenges and the advantages of embodying such systems in daily healthcare services.

Keywords: electronic communication systems; healthcare providers; managed-care organisations; MCOs; electronic communication standards; electronic healthcare; e-health; online communication; clinical practice.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEH.2007.015324

International Journal of Electronic Healthcare, 2007 Vol.3 No.4, pp.468 - 478

Published online: 08 Oct 2007 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article