Proactive health computing
In an analysis departing from the global health situation, the foundation for a change of paradigm in health informatics based on socially embedded information infrastructures and technologies is identified and discussed. It is shown how an increasing computing and data transmitting capacity can be employed for proactive health computing. As a foundation for ubiquituoshealth promotion and prevention of disease and injury, proactive health systems use data from multiple sources to supply individuals and communities evidence-based information on means to improve their state of health and avoid health risks. The systems are characterised by: being profusely connected to the world around them, using perceptual interfaces, sensors and actuators; responding to external stimuli at faster than human speeds; networked feed-back loops; and humans remaining in control, while being left outside the primary computing loop.
proactive health computing health informatics social medicine public health health promotion