Learning from previous epidemics; overcoming COVID-19 using e-health

Considering the worldwide spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical to use electronic health (e-health) to prevent, diagnose, and treat this disease. According to reports on the use of e-health technology in past and present crises, this technology can have the potential to improve the quality and the quantity of provided services and control and manage diseases in epidemic conditions. The important issue is how to implement this technology fairly and facilitate the use of this technology by health care providers and the general public. Moreover, the concerns about the physician-patient relationship, patient privacy and health costs should be addressed. Therefore, it is necessary for health policymakers and planners to develop laws and guidelines to address legal and ethical barriers to the use of this technology, focusing on vulnerable populations, to manage the crisis and also determine the role of insurers in this area.