Uberisation of Healthcare

Abstract

As a nation currently facing a multitude of challenges, the digital health revolution is indeed timely. Globally, many are now seeking innovative solutions to address the shift ing demographics, increasing burden of chronic diseases, environmental changes, urbanisat ion, globalisation and technological advancements. These common challenges that we face affect health, one way or the other. Technology is disrupting conventional knowledge, practices and business models of many sectors, including healthcare. Services/technologies such as online platforms, mHealth, internet of things (IoT), wearable devices, machine learning, big data and artificial intelligence (AI) allow more efficient and effective healthcare service delivery. These disruptions are opportunities for us to solve some of the health-related challenges facing the world today. Malaysia is witnessing rapid growth of the digital marketplace with the mushrooming of Online Health Services facilitated and enabled by technology platforms. The term ‘Uberisation of Healthcare’ is widely used in this context. This democratisation of healthcare and the great potential to healthcare offered by the digital revolution is the new paradigm embracing the delivery of care. However, ethical and regulatory frameworks are necessary and must be guided by the principles of patient safety, quality of care, confidentialit y, accountability and traceability. The safe practice of digital health should keep the consumers of health care at the heart of the adoption.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Supplementary Issue: 2019 Page: 10