Digitisation of Healthcare Products and the Democratization Continuum of the Healthcare System in China : A Systematic Review

Abstract

Typical of most industries, digitisation of healthcare products, services and models of E-Commerce is democratizing the current healthcare system in China while unlocking new previously inaccessible healthcare segments. This monumental convergence of healthcare industry with IT is part of a larger evolution and growth of E-Commerce from simple search portals for purchasing goods and services to more integrated digital marketplace that incorporates personalized experience and informed purchase decision making into online behaviours. The result is the manifestation of a new era of healthcare consumerism, as healthcare customers demand retail-like buying experience. We performed a comprehensive systematic scoping review of published data to identify how E-Commerce is complementing the traditional healthcare delivery system in China. We note that healthcare E-Commerce is facilitating the reconstruction of the healthcare value chain in China and at the same time is helping health facilities to reengineer operations and service processes. Our study highlights the important role E-commerce is playing in the healthcare industry in China.