Question

Evaluate the potential impacts of telehealth and other distance technologies on current healthcare systems. Discuss how these technologies can help with the care management of chronic diseases. Discuss at least 3 real-world applications.

Answer 1

Any technology that is used to provide clinical care, health information, or health education at a distance, can be called telehealth. There are three different ways in which telehealth is provided. They are-

Remote Patient Monitoring

Remote patient monitoring, which is sometimes called self-monitoring or self-testing, is a means of monitoring patient health and clinical information at a distance. It is frequently used in the treatment and management of chronic illnesses like asthma, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. It could be used when patients are managing complex self care processes like hemodialysis in home,

For patients with dementia who are at risk of falls, this technology promotes safety and prevents harm through continuous close observations. Specific sensors can be affixed to the individual or their assistive mobility devices such as canes and walkers.

Diabetes can be managed by this technology by regularly checking blood pressure, weight and blood glucose. The regular checking of blood glucose and blood pressure readings enables immediate alerts for patient and healthcare providers to take part when needed.

Heart failure can also be detected by home monitoring.  Remote monitoring of patients with implanted cardiac devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators, helps in maintaining proper heartbeat and implantable hemodynamic monitors which checks the blood flow in heart and thus manages heart diseases.

Store and forward technology

It refers to the transmission of images or information from one provider to another. For example, if any doctor sends patient's digital images of an x-ray to a radiologist for analysis, it is this technology.

Real-Time Audio/Video Communication

It happens when the patient is at one location and the provider is at another and they connect using a video-enabled device and a telephone or computer audio. Sometimes the patient might be at a healthcare facility with a provider and they establish communications with a specialist at a remote location, other times the patient might not be at a medical office at all, but can still contact with health care provider.