Question

Technology! Digital Health!!! Telemedicine! Great Buzz words. We may have even used them in our marketing plan! So, can this be done in long term care?? At what cost? Will it make us more efficient and provide better quality of care? Address the fact that this is a vulnerable population and with limited access and income!

Answer 1

*** Technology or Digital health =

The art of using the latest technology and science to promote quality of life as defind by patients and families throughout their life experiences from birth to the end of life.

* Increase the application of labor saving technology to eliminate unnecessary , duplicative paper work and communication of patient information, thereby improving workplace conditions.

Telemedicine = The concept of telemedicine was introduced more than 30 yrs ago through the use of telephone and slow scan games. The term telemedicine in short refers to the utilization of telecommunication technology for medical diagnosis, treatment and patient care.

- Telemedicine is a rapidly developing application of clinical medicine where medical information is transferred via telephone the internet or other networks for the purpose of consulting and sometimes remote medical procedures or examinations.

- Savings for the patient – Rural patients often must travel greater distances to receive care and save travel cost

- Telemedicine enables a physician or specialist at on one site to deliver health care, diagnose patients, give intra-operative assistance, provide therapy or consult with another physician or paramedical personnel at a remote site.

- Telemedicine system consist of customized medical software integrated with computer hardware, along with medical diagnostic instruments. The great impact of telemedicine may be in fulfilling its promise to improve the quality, increase the efficiency and expand the access of the health care delivery system to the rural population and developing countries.

* Telehealth is defined as the removal of time and distance barriers for the delivery of health care services and related health care activities through telecommunication technology.

- Telemedicine electronic data storage significantly reduce healthcare service costs, saving money for patient.