Telehealth

Telehealth is the use of electronic information and telecommunications to support health care over long distances.

It is a disruptive innovation because it changes how medical services are delivered. This technology allows for clinical care, patient education, and health administration to happen remotely. It also supports public health and the management of health data through patient portals. While many people use the term telemedicine interchangeably with telehealth, they have different meanings. Telehealth is a broad umbrella term. It includes non-clinical services like provider training and administrative meetings. Telemedicine is a subset that focuses specifically on remote clinical services, such as diagnosis and monitoring.

To work effectively, telehealth requires reliable digital infrastructure. Participants usually need a strong broadband internet connection. They also need mobile communication technology that meets at least the 4G or LTE standard. These high speeds are necessary to maintain video stability and handle large amounts of data. As broadband infrastructure has improved, the use of telehealth has become much more feasible. Before starting, healthcare providers often conduct a needs assessment. They look for specific hardships that technology might solve. These hardships often include long travel times, high costs, or the need for time off work.

There are four distinct domains of telehealth delivery. The first is live video, which is called synchronous care. This allows for real-time, interactive electronic consultations between a patient and a provider. The second is store-and-forward, also known as asynchronous care.

In this method, a clinician acquires medical data like images or biosignals. They then transmit this data to a specialist to be assessed offline at a later time. The third domain is remote patient monitoring.

This involves using digital devices to track a patient's health from a distance. The fourth domain is mobile health.

Store-and-forward technology is particularly useful for certain medical specialties. Dermatology, radiology, and pathology are common fields that use this asynchronous method. Because the doctor and patient do not need to be present at the same time, the clinician relies on a structured medical record. They use history reports, audio, and video information instead of a physical examination. Remote monitoring is another vital tool, especially for managing chronic diseases. Patients can use devices to monitor conditions like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease. This method can provide health outcomes comparable to in-person visits. It can also be a cost-effective way to manage long-term care.

Telehealth is used in many specialized fields, including emergency care and nursing. In some countries, such as France, Spain, Chile, and Brazil, SAMU regulators perform daily emergency telemedicine.

In the United States, emergency medical services can use telehealth in the field. For example, they can take an EKG and send it directly to a hospital physician for instant reading. Telenursing is also growing as a field. It uses technology to provide nursing services across large distances. This helps solve nursing shortages and reduces travel time for patients in rural areas.

One interesting example of specialized telehealth occurred in Melbourne, Australia, in 2014.

A tech startup collaborated with the Australian Breastfeeding Association to create a Google Glass application. This hands-free app allowed new mothers to view instructions on breastfeeding posture and latching. They could also call a lactation consultant via a secure Google Hangout. The consultant could see what the mother saw through the Google Glass camera. The trial was successful, and 100% of the participants reported breastfeeding more confidently. This shows how wearable technology can provide immediate, specialized support.

Telehealth is also used in palliative care, which is often called telepalliative care. Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life for people with serious or terminal illnesses. Telehealth supports these patients through video conferencing, messaging, or digital symptom assessments. These tools allow patients to report their symptoms from home. This can enhance a patient's feeling of security and safety. It also allows healthcare professionals to use their time more efficiently. By using telehealth, patients with complex needs can often remain in their own homes rather than in a hospital setting.