Introduction to Telehealth and Telemedicine PDF

Introduction to Telehealth and Telemedicine C-3  Definition of Telehealth Telehealth refers to the use of digital information and communication technologies, such as computers and mobile devices, to access healthcare services remotely and manage one’s health...

Introduction to Telehealth and Telemedicine C-3  Definition of Telehealth Telehealth refers to the use of digital information and communication technologies, such as computers and mobile devices, to access healthcare services remotely and manage one’s health. Video Consultations: Real-time video interactions between patients and healthcare providers. Remote Monitoring: Using devices to monitor patients’ health data from a distance. E-Prescriptions: Electronic prescribing of medications. Health Information Services: Providing health education and information through digital platforms.  US government definition "The use of medical information exchanged from one site to another using electronic communications for the health and education of patients or providers and to improve patient care." http://cms.hhs.gov/glossary/default.asp (Dept of Health and Human Services) "access to medical care for consumers and health professionals via telecommunications technology" http://www.atmeda.org/about/aboutata.htm  Definition of Telemedicine Telemedicine refers to the practice of caring for patients remotely when the provider and patient are not physically present with each other. Modern technology has enabled doctors to consult patients by using HIPAA-compliant video-conferencing tools.  Telemedicine Telemedicine and e-health are terms that are applied to the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in medicine, health and social care delivery As such, the subject divides into two main areas: improvements to existing services in terms of their efficiency and effectiveness - for example, pathology, radiology, education and training, and Electronic Patient new service delivery development - for example, teledermatology, teleophthalmology.  History of telemedicine Telemedicine has a rich history that spans over a century, evolving alongside advancements in communication technologies. Early 20th Century: The concept of telemedicine began with the transmission of heart rhythms over the telephone in the Netherlands. 1920s: Radio consultation centers in Europe started using radio waves to transmit medical information1. 1940s: Radiographic images were transmitted via telephone between cities in Pennsylvania, marking a significant step in remote diagnostics  Mid-20th Century Developments 1960s-1970s: The U.S. government and private sector invested in telemedicine research. NASA used telemedicine to monitor astronauts’ health, and early tele psychiatry projects were initiated2. 1970s: The term “telemedicine” was coined by Thomas Bird, meaning "healing at a distance  Technological Advancements 1980s-1990s: Introduction of video conferencing and digital imaging technologies. Telemedicine networks began linking rural and urban healthcare facilities2. 2000s-Present: Expansion of telemedicine services with the advent of mobile health apps, remote patient monitoring, and electronic health records (EHRs)  Modern Telemedicine Current State: Telemedicine is widely used in various specialties, including radiology, neurology, and pathology and the implementing telemedicine programs. COVID-19 Pandemic: The pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine, making it a crucial tool for providing healthcare while minimizing the risk of virus transmission  Components of a telemedicine system A telemedicine system is composed of several key components that work together to facilitate remote healthcare delivery 1. Communication Technologies Video Conferencing Tools Audio Communication Text Messaging  cont.…. 2. Data Management Systems Electronic Health Records (EHRs) Patient Portals Data Storage and Security  cont.…. 3. Remote Monitoring Devices Wearable Health Devices Home Monitoring Equipment Mobile Health Apps  cont.…. 4. Software and Applications Telemedicine Platforms Scheduling and Appointment Management Billing and Payment Systems  cont.…. 5. Infrastructure 6. Security and Network Connectivity Compliance Cloud Services Data Encryption Hardware Requirements HIPAA Compliance User Authentication  cont.…. 6. User Interfaces Integration and Patient Interface Interoperability Provider Interface Integration with Existing Systems Admin Interface Interoperability Standards APIs and Middleware  Types of Telemedicine Telemedicine can be categorized into several types based on the mode of delivery and the nature of the services provided. 1. Interactive Telemedicine Real-time interactions between patients and healthcare providers 2. Store-and-Forward Telemedicine Transmission of medical data (e.g., images, bio signals) to a healthcare provider for assessment at a later time  Types of Telemedicine Real-time (synchronous) Store-and-forward Participants all active at the same (asynchronous) time Participants do not need to be active Use any synchronous technology at the same time (e.g. phone) Use any structured form of message Most commonly: video passing conferencing Most commonly: email Less often but becoming more Less often but becoming more common: vital signs monitoring common: systems exchanging messages May need high bandwidth May not need high bandwidth  Types of Telemedicine 3. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Continuous monitoring of patients’ health data using wearable devices and sensors 4. Mobile Health (mHealth) Use of mobile devices to support healthcare practices 5. Tele-ICURemote monitoring and management of intensive care units 6. Tele-Psychiatry Remote delivery of psychiatric assessment and care 7. Tele-Rehabilitation Remote delivery of rehabilitation services  Assignment Live Video Conferencing Apps *****Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Doxy.me. Asynchronous Video (Store-and-Forward) Apps ***** store forwared information Medici, RubiconMD. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Apps ***** HealthKit, Vivify Health. Mobile Health (mHealth) Apps **** MyChart, Epocrates. Distance Education Apps for Providers *****Coursera, Khan Academy, Medscape.