Key challenges and policy implications for governments and regulators in a networkcentric healthcare environment

Healthcare has yet to realise the true potential afforded by e-health. To date, technology-based healthcare operations are conducted chaotically, at a wide variety of non-integrated fronts, with little or no long-term strategy and at a tremendous and ever increasing cost. This paper proposes that for healthcare to ever reap the full benefits from e-health, it is imperative for the development of a doctrine of healthcare networkcentric operations. Otherwise, millions if not billions of dollars will be spent on a futile chase of the definitions on how and when will the computer, healthcare provider and healthcare administrator interact most efficiently and at the least expense. The concept of a doctrine - 'conceptual platform' that outlines the consequent, goal-oriented way forward and integrates all constituent elements into a smoothly operating whole, is utilised to great effect in the military. Drawing upon the strategies and techniques employed by the military to develop a networkcentric doctrine, this paper outlines the essential components necessary for the establishment of the doctrine for healthcare networkcentric operations, and in doing so not only highlights the integral role played by Information Computer and Communication Technologies (IC 2 T), but also the pivotal role of policy makers and governments.