Sophisticated technologies such as web-based "expert networks," presence technology that enables care at a distance, video-based collaboration tools, and electronic health records have numerous benefits. For example, they enable providers to exchange information, find the right healthcare expert at the point of care, offer patients customized care, accelerate innovation, and increase productivity while lowering healthcare costs. Such tools also enable consumers to access healthcare information, perform routine tasks, and schedule appointments online. Furthermore, they help advance national policies that accelerate adoption of information and communications technology (ICT).

In a world where healthcare is connected—both inside and outside the hospital—digital resources can be made available not only to patients at home or at their hospital bedsides, but also to clinics, laboratories, pharmacies, emergency response units, government healthcare organizations, and other groups across the healthcare ecosystem. The transformative power of ICT can help healthcare organizations across the value chain make healthcare more accessible, affordable, and effective