{"id":11331,"date":"2020-08-20T17:28:22","date_gmt":"2020-08-20T16:28:22","guid":{"rendered":"\/gb\/en\/blog\/?p=11331"},"modified":"2023-01-16T18:06:26","modified_gmt":"2023-01-16T18:06:26","slug":"what-is-telemedicine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/gb\/en\/blog\/what-is-telemedicine\/","title":{"rendered":"The Definitive Guide to Telemedicine: History, Benefits, Implementation and Everything Else"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over the last few years, there\u2019s been a lot of talk about the changes we\u2019re seeing in healthcare. The revolution in big data has been particularly hyped up, and with some justification. It isn\u2019t just about collecting large quantities of data, but knowing how to analyse it. Doing so effectively gives more insight into patients\u2019 health and how lifestyle or genetic factors might affect it. But the technological transformation we\u2019re seeing doesn\u2019t stop there. Telemedicine also appears set to change the face of healthcare provision and perhaps the health system as a whole.<\/span><\/p>\n

Telemedicine has been around for a while, although take-up remained fairly modest for quite a long time. Until, that is, the Covid-19 pandemic struck. With social distancing measures in place across the world and doctors trying to limit face-to-face contact with patients, more and more have come to use telemedicine apps. This means that they can hold consultations with patients and offer primary care, without the need to see them in person. Even assuming a Coronavirus vaccine arrives in the not-too-distant future, it is likely that telemedicine is here to stay. Especially as both healthcare professionals and patients alike get more accustomed to using it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"healthcare-professionals\"<\/p>\n

The recent rise of telemedicine, though boosted considerably by the pandemic, chimes with other aspects of our daily lives. We\u2019ve now become increasingly accustomed to video calls and <\/span>video conferencing<\/span><\/a>, and the way we work has been transformed along with our everyday routines – keeping in touch with clients and colleagues in far-flung locations, as well as friends and family.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It seems natural, then, that even when the pandemic is over, telemedicine will most likely continue to enjoy a bright future within the healthcare system. It allows us to have a quick and convenient consultation, without the hassle of having to drag ourselves to a doctor\u2019s surgery or clinic.<\/span><\/p>\n

It seems natural, then, that even when the pandemic is over, telemedicine will most likely continue to enjoy a bright future within the healthcare system. <\/a><\/span>Click To Tweet<\/a><\/span><\/blockquote>\n

\"telehealth-services\"
\nSo what exactly is telemedicine? What are the prospects for telemedicine in the UK? What are its advantages and its disadvantages? In this guide, we\u2019ll give you an in-depth overview of what telemedicine is (and <\/span>telehealth<\/a><\/strong> more generally) and how it might transform the way we receive healthcare in the coming years. We\u2019ll provide a concise definition of what telemedicine is and explore its history in some detail. Then, we\u2019ll look at the benefits and potential drawbacks of telemedicine, as well as the different types of telehealth services and the terminology used. Read on to find out more.<\/span><\/p>\n\t

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What is Telemedicine?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In short, telemedicine is the term given to remote health care delivery and consultation given to patients at a distance.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"what<\/p>\n

For example, via the internet and video chat apps. As video chat becomes more and more commonplace, a lot of healthcare providers<\/a> are looking to telehealth methods to help them make tight budgets stretch that bit further.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Patients themselves, it appears, are becoming increasingly accustomed to the idea, too, after some initial uncertainty. As we\u2019ve discussed, the Covid-19 pandemic has led to a sudden increase in remote consultations, as doctors look to restrict the use of face-to-face meetings with patients.<\/span><\/p>\n

Telemedicine allows patients and doctors to converse with one another remotely, wherever they happen to be. That\u2019s as long as they have access to a sufficiently reliable internet connection<\/a>. However, it offers more than just standard video calls. Doctors and patients can share different types of information using telemedicine apps, including blood pressure test results and readings from medical devices.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Patients have come to expect – as technology has changed their own everyday lives – that health care delivery should do likewise. Of course, telemedicine is not a complete substitute for face-to-face consultations or clinical services; there will be instances where health professionals will need to see patients in person. Nevertheless, it is a convenient option for quick check-ups, and so on.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"online-consultations\"<\/p>\n

There are different types of telemedicine, which is something worth bearing in mind. There are three main types in particular:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n