The paper brings an overview of services based on the use of information and communication technologies which are aimed at mental health. The current growth of e health presents many opportunities and challenges for public health. Provision of interventions targeting mental health and wellbeing is an important domain of the e health environment. In Poland, we also face a rapid development of online psychotherapy services called also e therapy. Other terms are also in use. Clear recommendations and regulations are needed to address the potential risks of such interventions.
E-therapy has the potential to offer many benefits, both for patients and therapists. Available results from clinical trials support its further development. Depending on the types of conditions targeted by e-therapy and communication channels, the effectiveness of interventions may differ. However, accumulated evidence shows that e-therapy may be as effective as traditional mental care. On the other hand, the growing numbers of e services targeting mental health and psychological support results in higher risk of misconduct or malpractice.
 

Innovative telemedicine applications and e-health services in the care of older patients

Telemedicine, using modern information and communications technology, combines the needs of patients and technological progress, crossing the barriers of traditional health care systems. At the same time, as indicated by demographic forecasts around the world, especially in Europe, there is the phenomenon of fast aging population. Although older people certainly do not belong to the biggest and most active supporters of Internet users and telemedicine services, it is the elderly because of their special multimorbidity, the need for taking multiple medications and regular check-ups, are the most common and most demanding beneficiaries of medical services. Modern information and communication tools can become essential support for them, by which elderly, remaining under constant supervision and care, may stay in a friendly home environment. The paper defines the concept of telemedicine, e- health and e – health services and extensively presents the latest telemedicine applications, e-health services and medical information management systems, dedicated in particular older people.

Assessment of the use of information technologies among parents of children afflicted with chronic diseases

Introduction and aim of the study:The support to patients with chronic conditions is an important aspect of development of e‑health systems. And yet, information about acceptance and skills related to the use of information technologies (IT) among potential end-users is scarce. The objective of this study was assessment of the use of computer and the Internet both for general and health-related activities in the group of parents of children suffering from chronic medical conditions.

Material and methods: The survey was prepared and performed in the group of 120 parents accompanying their children during outpatient visits to speciality polyclinic (response rate 90.8%).

Results: The mean age of respondents was 40.9 years; 82.6% of them were women. The use of computers was declared by 88.1% and the Internet by 80.7% of the respondents. The Internet was one of main sources of health-related information for 77.1% of them. Checking of procedures recommended by a physician and obtaining advice from other parents were indicated most frequently among health-related activities performed online (56,8% and 53,5% respectively). Use of the Internet depended on age, education and place of residence of respondents. These factors did not have impact on accepting of the Internet as one of the main sources of health-related information

Conclusions: The parents of children suffering from chronic conditions more frequently use IT for general and health-related purposes than general population. Although they reveal relatively high satisfaction, there are still areas of care which could benefit from introduction of e‑health tools. However, there are still areas which could be supported or enhanced with e‑health solutions.

The review of chosen health risk related to Internet use

Internet brings many new options for delivery of health-related services addressed both to patients and to whole communities. However, Internet is also a source of health risks. One should remember that Internet may be directly related to adverse health effect in case of Internet addiction. Most risks related to the use of Internet may to some extent lead to health consequences. It may be employed for promotion of harmful or dangerous behaviours, distribution of psychoactive or other noxious substances, and even promotion of unproven therapeutical methods. Among examples of promotion of risky or harmful behaviours, virtual pro-ana communities, sites promoting suicides and risky sexual habits resulting from Internet, were discussed. Finally, the problem of illicit drug commerce and activities of so called ‘rogue pharmacies’ providing controlled medications without prescription was addressed.

Medical turism in Europe and in Poland – present status, development bariers, perspectives and recemendations concerning the development of medical tourism in Poland

Medical tourism occurs when patients or consumers decide to travel across borders in order to obtain various types of medical services. The most popular medical tourism services are: dental surgery, aesthetic medicine, plastic and general surgery and treatment of infertility. The development of medical tourism is a result of rising problems connected with health care financing even for rich countries and is supported by greater availability of information through the Internet and reduced travel expenses, due to the development of the network of cheap flights. Patients from richer, more developed countries travel to the poorer ones to obtain medical services at a price lower than in their own country.
According to the Polish Association of Medical Tourism, over 320,000 foreign patients visited Poland in 2011 in search of health or beauty, and the value of medical tourism market is estimated at PLN 780 million. Poland is a popular destination of health and beauty travels, due to the high quality of services and their relatively low prices, which attracts tourists - patients not only from Europe, but from all over the world. According to the Grail Research report, Poland could become Europe's one of the three most promising directions for foreign patients.

In order to become an export sector of the Polish economy, medical tourism needs coordinated promotional activities of the Polish government and public and private entities that are providers of services for foreign patients as well as building an information and international accreditation system, improving the quality of service and creating the legal environment conducive to the development of medical tourism in Poland.