The World Health Organization (WHO) defines telemedicine as “the delivery of healthcare services, where distance is a critical factor, by all healthcare professionals using information and communication technologies for the exchange of valid information for disease and injury diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, research and evaluation, and continuing education of health care providers, all in the interests of advancing the health of individuals and communities.”
Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is a telemedicine-complementary technology that collects, transmits, and analyzes patient health data utilizing wearable devices, sensors, and mobile apps.
Approach towards Telemedicine
Telemedicine is commonly approached in two ways. The first is communication, remote monitoring, and data access. Health practitioners can access patients’ information, read and interpret test findings, and monitor vital signs from anywhere using this method. The second strategy is remote clinical services, in which health professionals can conduct a variety of clinical duties. These jobs can range from as simple as administering medications to as complex as doing surgery with robotic equipment.
Telemedicine techniques and remote patient monitoring to healthcare have a number of advantages includes
Improved accessibility: Telemedicine allows people in remote areas to get healthcare services that would otherwise be unavailable due to geographical limits. People with limited mobility or transportation can also consult with healthcare specialists from the comfort of their own houses.
Cost savings: Telemedicine has the potential to save patients and healthcare providers money. Patients can save a money if they don’t have to travel or miss their work. Healthcare providers can also save money by eliminating the need for actual office space, automating administrative operations, and lowering overhead costs.
Improved patient engagement: Telemedicine enables people to take a more active role in their healthcare management.
Improved chronic condition management: RPM enables healthcare providers to closely monitor the progress of patients with chronic conditions, facilitating timely interventions and personalized treatment plans.
Complication detection: By continuously monitoring patients’ health data, RPM can assist healthcare providers in detecting any problems or anomalies early on. This allows for immediate management, limiting further deterioration and lowering the need for hospitalization.
The goal for virtual digital health services
Telemedicine and RPM technologies continuing development and evolution hold great promise for healthcare delivery. These technologies have the potential to enhance healthcare for patients living in distant areas, those with limited mobility or transportation, and those suffering from chronic conditions as they acquire acceptance and use. This new technology increasingly being modified by government policies and laws. Moreover, some states and nations have enacted legislation and guidelines to enable the incorporation of telemedicine and RPM into healthcare systems.
Recent News:
July 2023, In India, the NITI Aayog has issued guidelines for livestock telemedicine: As part of the advisory guidelines and framework for livestock telemedicine in India, NITI Aayog has proposed issuing a unique user ID to registered veterinary practitioners (RVP) and animal keepers, with mandatory approval from the animal keepers.