Telemedicine is the innovative application of electronic communication for the provision of medical information. This approach arose as early as the 1800s with the discovery of the telephone and continued with the radiotelephone, which allowed for the transmission of medical images.
Telemedicine has grown to encompass effective communication through several different diverse technologies such as video conferencing, the internet, networks for real-time consultation and diagnosis, and sometimes even remote medical procedures.
Interactive care
Interactive care within telemedicine is the telecommunication that is used in real-time interaction between a healthcare provider and their patient. This approach includes a live video and audio, during which patient data is discussed and transferred while simultaneously communicating the results between the clinician and patient. The interactive care method is similar to an in-person clinical visit, where the clinician can perform a physical examination and other necessary evaluations.
Store-and-forward care (asynchronous, telemedicine)
The store-and-forward care approach to telemedicine involves one clinician who electronically supplies all of the patient’s data, which can include pictures, videos and, radiology images, to another healthcare provider. The clinician on the receiving end is usually a specialist who then remotely interprets the information and accordingly arrives at a diagnosis and recommended treatment for the patient.
Remote monitoring (home health telemedicine)
Remote monitoring is used for the general observation of patients who are in their own homes or patients who suffer from a chronic condition, to allow for the clinician to manage their care remotely. This telemedicine approach might involve video conferencing, vital signs monitoring, and/or the transmission of patient statistics to the hospital, as well as a warning system in the event that something goes wrong with the patient.
Advantages of telemedicine
Telemedicine can be a more comfortable approach to seeking healthcare for those who feel daunted by both medical professionals and their associated surroundings. As the medical information is exchanged in strict confidence, telemedicine can also encourage a good relationship to develop between patients and healthcare professionals.
Telemedicine can be applied in places such as rural, remote, and/or post-disaster communities, where there is no constant healthcare services that are available to these populations, or would otherwise require transportation to a clinic. Therefore, in these situations, telemedicine can provide emergency healthcare for dangerous cases without the need for travel.
Telemedicine can also be an effective tool in health education by allowing newly-qualified healthcare professionals to observe clinical practices in real time. Teaching files can also be made available in many forms that range from webcasts of lectures, daily presentations of cases, and/or educational conferences, whilst eliminating the necessity of travel.
Telemedicine Can Improve Care, Especially for Underserved Patients
Telemedicine also adds a dimension of clinical protection for users by eliminating the possibility of transmitting infectious diseases between healthcare professionals and patients.
Computerized medical databases allow health professionals in primary care to remotely access patient records in the databases of hospitals. This subsequently allows for the mobile collaboration between healthcare professionals from multiple locations when cases are particularly critical or might require multidisciplinary insight.
Telemedicine facilitates effective monitoring and treatment thereby reducing the number of outpatient visits necessary. For example, patients suffering from hypertension can use an electronic blood pressure monitor to measure their own blood pressure and transmit the results to their healthcare provider. As long as prior readings have been accurately recorded with supervision through an audio and visual video call, medications can even be prescribed as needed.
Patients with renal failure can also benefit from telemedicine. The requirement for dialysis treatments can make employment or even employment applications difficult for the patient; therefore, home dialysis with video supervision may offer a convenient solution to this issue.
Telemedicine also allows patients and the general population to access information needed to understand the nature of their disease, its prognosis, follow their treatment progression, and the possible associated side effects of this. Having this knowledge readily available could support a more equal decision-making process to form between patient and their doctors. Of course, it is crucial that the data presented is of good integrity so that patients become more aware of their health and the impact that their lifestyle has on their quality of life.
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Further Reading
Telemedicine use in neurology affected by race and neighborhood disparities