ABSTRACT
As seen throughout this book, eHealth is a promising way to improve health, well-being, and healthcare. Many examples show that the use of eHealth can, among other things, lead to effective treatments, might save costs, and enhance patient satisfaction. Chapter 5, for example, showed that there are many effective eMental health interventions targeting depression with similar effects as face-to-face interventions. Also, some eMental health interventions have succeeded in reaching different populations than traditional methods of treatment delivery (e.g., students who would not go to their GP for their mental health issues). Chapter 6 has shown many examples from the lifestyle and somatic health areas in which eHealth can play a huge role, for example, preventing disease or complications and empowering patients in taking control over their own health and well-being. Yet, it is also known that there often is a gap between the theoretical promise a technology holds and its actual impact on practice. A big part of that gap may have to do with the extent and manner a technology is experienced and used.
