‘Telemedicine’ is an innovative system of healthcare provision from long distance utilizing the telecommunication and modern information technologies. This concept arrived in 20th century with telephone & radio, today diverse advanced technologies, including, video telephone, latest tele-medical devices, diagnostic methods, distributed client or server applications, etc. have upgraded the quality and extent of Telemedicine service.This system has eliminated distance barriers to deliver clinical healthcare.
Advantages
- Many patients feel uncomfortable to go to hospital. This system creates communication among patients & healthcare professionals maintaining convenience & commitment. Moreover, through Telemedicine medical information and images are kept confidential and safely transferred from one place to another.
- It saves lives in the emergency situations, while there is no time to take the patient at a hospital.
- In many rural communities or remote places or post-disaster situations, consistent healthcare is unavailable. Telemedicine can be applied in such places or situations to provide emergency healthcare.
- This system is useful for the patients residing in inaccessible areas or isolated regions. Patients can receive clinical healthcare from their home without arduous travel to the hospital.
- Modern innovations of information technology such as, mobile collaboration has enabled easy information sharing and discussion about critical medical cases among healthcare professionals from multiple locations.
- Telemedicine has facilitated patient monitoring through computer or tablet or phone technology that has reduced outpatient visits. Now doctors can verify prescription or supervise drug oversight. Furthermore, the home-bound patients can seek medical-help without moving to clinic through ambulance.