ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book outlines directions for future research in critical digital health studies. It describes the kinds of digital technologies in use for remote patient consultation, online patient support and communication and for self-care and self-monitoring. The book explains the ways in which the data generated by digital health technologies portray human bodies, health and illness. It looks at the data materializations of bodies that are generated by medical imaging technologies, social media, digital self-tracking strategies and 3D printing technologies. The book reviews the ways in which big data sets about bodies, health and illness states are generated and exploited by a diverse range of actors and agencies, and significant data privacy and security issues at stake. It focuses on health and medical working environment. The book deals with a discussion of how healthcare and public health professionals use digital technologies for their work.
