The Journal of mHealth Vol 2 issue 5 (Oct) | Page 3

Editor's Comments Welcome Integration and interoperability are two terms that are regularly up for discussion throughout the digital health community, and for good reason. With so many different disciplines within the healthcare industry, so many sources of data, users, and functions the only way that digital solutions can be truly effective is by working seamlessly alongside those systems already in use. Achieving this isn’t easy. Interoperability requires standardised ways of interacting and sharing data throughout provider networks, with patient Electronic Health Records (EHRs), and with all necessary stakeholders and users. Digital solutions need to be ready to communicate with other systems in a network as they are deployed, without major restructuring and with minimal effort. In this issue we feature a range of articles which discuss some of the elements required to begin delivering effective connected digital health ecosystems. We consider the role of security, standards and operational changes that need to be addressed in order to achieve these aims. Our regular readers will no doubt notice that this issue is publishing slightly later than our usual schedule. This is because we are pleased to be able to include, inside, a special feature publication - ‘Delivering Effective Digital Health’. Designed to coincide with the mHealth Summit in Washington D.C. this publication is a compilation of exemplar case studies and research papers, from around the world that discuss how digital solutions are producing real changes to the way healthcare is delivered. Published by Simedics Limited www.simedics.org Editor: Matthew Driver Design: Jennifer Edwards For editorial, research and paper submissions, and advertising opportunities please contact: Matthew Driver [email protected] [phone] Also, you may have already heard details of the launch of our new, online global research panel the Digital Health Crowd. Subscribe at www.thejournalofmhealth.com We believe strongly in open innovation and allowing people to come together in the creation of the solutions that are going to impact the way they work and their own health conditions. The Digital Health Crowd provides organisations with the tools necessary to leverage the passion from individuals worldwide by enabling participation and co-creation experiences that are both rewarding to users and at the same time enhance innovation, testing, evidence and market vigilance capabilities. The editor welcomes contributions for The Journal of mHealth. Submissions can be sent to the editor by email, images and graphics should be submitted in high resolution format. Equally importantly, it provides you – as someone with an interest in digital health to have your say! The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily shared by the editors nor publishers. Although the highest level of care has been taken to ensure accuracy the publishers do not accept any liability for omissions or errors or claims made by contributors or advertisers, neither do we accept liability for damage or loss of unsolicited contributions. The publishers exercise the right to alter and edit any material supplied. This publication is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in part or in full without specific written permission of the publishers. The Digital Health Crowd allows us to collectively improve the way that digital health solutions are developed, deployed and delivered, by harnessing the shared knowledge, thoughts, ideas and skills of the health community. If you would like to become a member of the research panel and join the Digital Health Crowd or you are an organisation interested in gaining unparalleled access to a large global research panel of healthcare consumers, patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals to help support the design, testing and implementation of health technologies, apps and products then please get in touch at enquiries@si medics.org or find out more at thejournalofmhealth.com. This issue is published in memory of Harry Edwards, a true gentleman who will be sadly missed. ISSN 2055-270X © 2015 Simedics Limited Matthew Driver Editor The Journal of mHealth 1