Welcome to the world of telemedicine: Understanding the basics

Imagine the convenience of “visiting” your doctor through your smartphone or computer. Or, as a healthcare provider, being able to connect with your patients and offer them advice and care, no matter where they are. Welcome to the exciting world of telemedicine – a digital approach to healthcare that combines the speed and reach of technology with the personalization and expertise of medical professionals.

Telemedicine empowers you to have a real-time video chat with your medical practitioner, for example a dermatologist about a worrisome mole, from the comfort and privacy of your own home. For millions of people, telemedicine has the potential to significantly enhance health outcomes, particularly in rural or underserved regions where healthcare providers are few and far between.

Telemedicine has been used for decades, but it has become increasingly popular in recent years. As it becomes more widespread, it helps alleviate the pressure on overburdened healthcare facilities. And while it doesn’t take the place of in-person appointments, it can be an important addition to patient care. This article takes a look at what makes telemedicine a win-win for patients and healthcare providers alike.

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What is telemedicine?

Picture an 80-year old patient having a video consultation with her doctor, discussing symptoms, receiving a diagnosis, and even getting a prescription – all from the comfort of her own living room. This innovative healthcare model is breaking down traditional barriers such as distance, time and mobility, making it easier than ever for individuals to receive the care they need, when they need it.

In short, telemedicine is “remote healthcare” or medical services provided from a distance using telecommunication technologies. It has the potential to transform the way healthcare is provided and consumed. There are three main strands of telemedicine, each serving different purposes and using different technologies:

Interactive medicine: Real-time interactive telemedicine enables live, two-way communication between patients and healthcare providers through video or phone conferencing.
Store-and-forward: Store-and-forward telemedicine involves transmitting patient medical data, such as images and records, from one healthcare provider to another for assessment and diagnosis at a later time. It is commonly used in specialties like dermatology and radiology for remote consultation and second opinions.
Remote monitoring: Remote patient monitoring utilizes digital health technologies to collect and transmit patients’ health data to healthcare providers for ongoing monitoring and management.

From simple phone consultations to advanced remote monitoring systems, telemedicine is tailored to fit a diverse range of patient needs and scenarios.

How does telemedicine differ from telehealth and telecare?

These three terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean slightly different things.

Telemedicine refers to the general use of technology for delivering healthcare services remotely. Using virtual consultations, remote monitoring and digital communication tools, they allow patients to consult with healthcare professionals without being physically present, enhancing accessibility and convenience.
Telehealth is a broader concept that encompasses not only clinical services like those provided in telemedicine, but also non-clinical services such as administrative meetings, continuing medical education, and public health initiatives conducted remotely through telecommunications technology.
Telecare specifically focuses on monitoring and managing patients’ health and safety from their homes using technology like sensors and alarms. It aims to support independent living and provide timely assistance to individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities.

In essence, while telemedicine and telehealth encompass various remote healthcare services, telecare specifically concentrates on distance monitoring and support for patients’ health and well-being in their home environments.

How does telemedicine work?

Patients typically schedule appointments via web-based platforms or mobile apps, and connect with healthcare providers through video conferencing, audio calls or messaging. During virtual consultations, patients describe their symptoms and medical history, while health practitioners conduct assessments and provide medical advice. Some platforms allow patients to upload medical records for easy access by their healthcare centre.

Telemedicine platforms rely on a variety of technologies to ensure efficiency and functionality for both patients and healthcare providers, including wireless communications, video conferencing, streaming media, mobile technologies, Internet of Things solutions and artificial intelligence.

Services may also include remote monitoring through wearable medical devices or at-home kits to track patients’ vital signs and health metrics. Based on the patient’s requirements, healthcare providers can prescribe medications, refer patients to specialists, and schedule follow-up appointments as needed.

Telemedicine in action: real-world applications

Today, there are many telemedicine examples being implemented by hospitals and care centres to provide high-quality healthcare services for all. Patients are increasingly turning to health applications to manage various aspects of their well-being, including chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes, hypertension, heart disease or asthma) and drug management. They can now connect with healthcare providers from the comfort of their home, eliminating the need for lengthy commutes, waiting room delays and time-consuming visits to a doctor’s clinic.

Telemedicine has expanded access to specialized care, such as dermatology assessments and eye examinations. In particular, mental health services have become more approachable and discreet through telepsychiatry, offering a lifeline to those who might have previously shied away from seeking support. It’s also a convenient way for patients to seek second opinions from a more diverse range of medical professionals.

Mobile health applications often serve as the interface through which patients interact with telemedicine platforms, facilitating communication with healthcare providers, scheduling appointments and sharing health data. For example, patients can use mobile apps, wearable sensors and remote monitoring devices to check their vital signs, track symptoms and communicate with healthcare providers remotely.

What are the benefits of telemedicine in healthcare?

Telemedicine applications offer significant benefits for both healthcare service providers and patients. Below are some of the key advantages:

Increased patient access: Telemedicine aims to deliver healthcare services to individuals regardless of their location, bridging the care gap in areas where specialized health providers and facilities may be scarce. It ensures swift and secure access to quality healthcare whenever required, thereby ensuring patient safety and convenience.
Better quality healthcare: Telemedicine boosts care quality for hospitals and medical organizations as it makes it much easier for physicians to follow up on patients without the need for the patients to be physically present. It also reduces hospital admissions and relapses, allowing for prompt medical attention at symptom onset.
Greater trust: Reports indicate that telemedicine also leads to increased patient satisfaction and engagement, offering greater flexibility and a wider range of healthcare service options. This also builds confidence in the healthcare system.
Cost efficiency: Telemedicine not only decreases transportation costs, it also effectively reduces expenses associated with managing chronic diseases and long-term care. It enables shorter hospital stays, and allows for remote professional staffing and consultation. In some cases, physicians can practice remotely, essentially creating a virtual hospital. Such instances help spread the benefits of telemedicine to a much wider range of patients.

Protecting patient privacy

While telemedicine has opened up new avenues for collaboration and knowledge sharing, safeguarding patient data and privacy is paramount. Patients should feel confident sharing their personal and health information without hesitation. This means deploying robust cybersecurity measures to ensure that every video call, message or shared document is protected to the highest level of confidentiality.

Standards provide a robust framework for telemedicine, fostering trust, safeguarding patient data and enabling a smooth and secure healthcare experience. Take, for instance, ISO 13131. The comprehensive telehealth standard for quality, risk and resource management enhances data interoperability, security and user experience, facilitating both patient care and medical research. In short, ISO 13131 helps bolster telehealth services, making them not only a convenient option but a secure one.

ISO 13131 Telehealth services – Quality planning guidelines

ISO/TR 16056-1 Interoperability of telehealth systems and networks

ISO/IEC 27001 Information security, cybersecurity and privacy protection

A new era in healthcare

We stand at the threshold of transformative change in healthcare. Telemedicine combines technology, convenience and personalized care to make health services globally more affordable and accessible to people around the world. By establishing comprehensive policies and compliance frameworks, telehealth and telecare providers can protect patients’ data and uphold their rights to privacy, while delivering the best possible patient care. The future of healthcare is here, and with the help of standards, we can ensure the telemedicine revolution is accessible for all.