[e-Health in chronic diseases: not yet feasible for everyone in every setting]

Abstract

e-Health is a hot item: governments, healthcare insurers and manufacturers of medical appliances state that the expected epidemic of chronic diseases can only be countered by broad application of e-health. However, sound scientific data to support this claim is currently lacking. Several recent large trials demonstrate that results do not always keep up with expectations. The WSD Trial, published in last months' BMJ, shows the discrepancy between scientific reality and political planning. In addition to a critical comment, we attempt to make recommendations on aspects of e-health that do hold promise.