Overview: What Is Telehealth?
Telehealth is the result of the collaboration between the medical field and the IT world. It makes use of computers and mobile devices in managing your health, which is why some experts refer to it as telemedicine, e-Health, or m-Health (mobile health). The specialists at Chiron Health explain that its primary use is to connect doctors to their patients, allowing them to deliver health information, care, and education remotely.
Types of Telehealth Software
Real time (synchronous) telehealth utilizes computers and DSLR as webcams to enable live communication between a patient and a doctor, no matter where they are.
Store and forward (asynchronous) telehealth transmits stored information like digital images for later diagnosis by a specialist like a radiologist or dermatologist. This method is particularly useful in case of emergencies that occur with a patient at a remote site.
Remote Monitoring is also known as self-testing or self-monitoring. It is most beneficial to patients with chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and asthma. This monitoring uses a variety of devices to monitor the health and vital signs of patients remotely.
Mobile Health makes use of mobile devices to monitor vital signs, assist with behavioral health, and even provide diet and weight loss tips. In some cases, elderly patients or remote workers are encouraged to wear smart clothing that can send alerts to caregivers when they need help.
Telehealth Benefits
Healthcare continues to be difficult to access nowadays due to the lack of professionals and the growing number of patients in areas that require health facilities. Telehealth is the perfect solution to these challenges as it gives the specialists easier access to those who need their attention.
Final Thoughts
Technology is no longer just about fun and games. It’s exciting how practitioners can now use it for a variety of services, including providing online support groups, continued patient monitoring, and more.
