What is telemedicine?
Telemedicine is a modern form of remote healthcare that uses telecommunications technology to deliver medical services at a distance. Thanks to telemedicine, patients can consult doctors, obtain diagnoses, receive health advice and monitor their health without having to physically visit a medical facility. Telemedicine covers a wide range of services, including video consultations, telephone medical advice, transmission of test results and monitoring of patients using remote devices.
The development of telemedicine has accelerated in recent years, especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced health systems to adapt quickly. Telemedicine enabled patients to access medical care at a time when traditional visits were limited due to precautions and quarantine. This allowed them to continue treatment and obtain medical advice without the risk of contracting the virus.
Telemedicine technologies encompass a wide range of tools that allow doctors and patients to communicate in real time, exchange medical records, and provide remote consultations and treatments. Telemedicine primarily increases the accessibility of healthcare, but can also improve the efficiency of healthcare by enabling patients to be diagnosed and treated more quickly. Below are the most popular types of telemedicine services currently available:
Video consultation
Video consultations are one of the most common forms of telemedicine. It is by far the most similar to traditional appointments in that it allows a face-to-face conversation with a doctor via webcam. Patients can receive diagnosis, health advice and treatment recommendations without leaving home. Video counselling is particularly useful for people with limited mobility, those living in remote areas or in situations where traditional medical appointments are difficult.
Medical telephone advice
Telepresence allows patients to consult a doctor over the phone. This is probably the most convenient and fastest form of telemedicine, especially in cases where immediate advice is needed or when a patient has questions about their condition. The great advantage of telephone advice is that it does not require internet access.
Remote monitoring
Remote monitoring uses medical devices that allow patients to send health data to their doctor in real time. Examples of such devices include blood pressure monitors, glucometers, pulse oximeters and ECG monitors. Remote monitoring allows doctors to keep track of patients' health in real time, which is particularly important for people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or heart disease.
E-prescriptions and e-referrals
E-prescriptions and e-referrals are electronic documents that act as modern equivalents to traditional paper prescriptions and referrals. They significantly save time for both patients and doctors and are more manageable, especially when stored on mobile devices. In addition, the Internet Patient Account (IKP) service allows patients to view details of issued e-prescriptions and e-referrals, their status, fulfilment history and recommendations at any time.
Teletherapy
Online psychotherapy takes place via the internet and may include sessions with a psychologist, therapist or other mental health professional. Teletherapy is particularly helpful for people who, for various reasons, cannot attend therapy sessions in person. The access to specialists throughout the country is also a great advantage, giving more opportunities to choose the right stream and therapist for oneself. With teletherapy, patients can receive emotional support and advice on how to deal with stress or other problems in the comfort of their home.
Benefits of telemedicine for patients
One of the most important benefits of telemedicine is easier access to medical care. Thanks to telemedicine, patients can consult a doctor without having to leave their home, which is particularly important for people with limited mobility, living in remote areas or with transport difficulties. Telemedicine also makes it possible to obtain medical advice more quickly in emergency situations, which reduces the stress of waiting for a medical appointment and, in the most serious cases, can even save lives. For patients with chronic diseases, the ability to remotely monitor their condition and respond quickly to any changes is invaluable.
Another major benefit of telemedicine is convenience and time savings. Traditional medical appointments often require long waiting times and travel to the medical facility, which can be particularly inconvenient for people who work or have family responsibilities on their minds. Telemedicine eliminates these inconveniences by allowing patients to receive consultations at a time and place that is convenient for them. Telemedicine can also reduce the risk of infection, as patients do not need to visit medical facilities where they may be exposed to other patients. In this way, telemedicine not only increases comfort but also patient safety.
Privacy on the Internet
Data security and privacy in telemedicine can be the biggest source of concern for patients. Many forms of telemedicine require the transmission and storage of sensitive medical data, so it is extremely important to use appropriate security measures. The use of encrypted internet connections, such as SSL/TLS protocols, ensures that data transmitted between patient and doctor is protected from unauthorised access. In addition, telemedicine platforms should comply with data protection compliance standards, such as RODO in Europe or HIPAA in the US.