telemedisin

telemedisin is a health service delivery model that uses telecommunications technology to provide clinical care at a distance. It includes real-time videoconferencing, store-and-forward transmission of medical information, and remote patient monitoring with connected devices. telemedisin platforms may run on smartphones, computers, or integrated health information systems, and are often linked to electronic health records to support continuity of care.

It supports a range of services, such as primary care and specialty consultations, mental health care, urgent triage, follow-up visits, medication management, and chronic disease management. telemedisin is used for initial assessments, ongoing monitoring, and patient education, and is increasingly combined with home monitoring devices and mobile health apps.

History and context: telemedisin emerged in the 20th century and expanded with online communication. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated its adoption in many health systems. Use varies by country and is shaped by regulatory regimes, reimbursement, digital infrastructure, and clinician and patient acceptance.

Benefits include improved access, reduced travel, shorter waiting times, and potential cost savings, especially for rural or underserved populations. Limitations involve privacy and data security risks, digital divides, unequal access to devices or connectivity, the inability to perform certain physical exams, and variability in quality. Reimbursement and licensure rules also influence implementation.

Regulation and evidence: telemedisin is subject to medical licensure, professional standards, and data protection laws. Effective programs emphasize informed consent, privacy safeguards, and interoperability with health records. Evidence supports benefits for chronic disease management and mental health, with outcomes closely tied to program design and context.