Telemedicine is the use of communication technology to provide health care facilities where the distance separates the consumer and provider. To clarify, Tele is the Greek word that means distances, and modern is the Latin word that means to, heal. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines telemedicine. It defines it as, “The delivery of healthcare services, where distance is a critical factor, by all healthcare professionals using information and communication technologies for the exchange of valid information for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease and injuries, research and evaluation and the continuing education of healthcare providers, all in the interests of advancing the health of individuals and their communities.”

Telehealth and Telemedicine

Firstly, Telemedicine has the potential to provide a variety of online unlimited teletherapy services. People who live in rural and remote areas have to face the struggle of not getting such services often. However, those who reside in urban areas can easily avail themselves of such services more often. Telemedicine proves to be the solution for such cases where distance separates the participants. Some services like availability of doctors 24/7, remote monitoring of patients, user-friendly interface are involved. They make it more favorable options to choose from.

History of telemedicine 

It first came into service through the National aeronautical space agency (NASA) in the early 1960s when humans began flying in space. To provide a healthcare facility to astronauts such an idea came in the process. The objective of providing a health care facility to remote areas can be fulfilled by using such technology.

Telemedicine how it works?

Telemedicine is currently a revolution in the healthcare industry. Also, studies show that there will be approximately 8 to 9 million active users of telemedicine by the year 2021. It becomes important to add this facility by the physician into their daily practice.

Its work is simple by the use of technology one can access such services at their convenience. By using computers and smartphones, video conferencing or audio calls can be possible. It is good as both the patient and physicians share their concerns. 

Benefits of telemedicine over the traditional practices 

1. Diagnosis

Diagnosis of common medical problems can be solved easily. Meanwhile, these include headaches, stomach aches and pains, back pains, sore throat, and digestive troubles. No need for the hassle to the patient and physician.

2. Convenience 

Patients residing in rural and remote areas often lose hours in commuting from their place to the doctor’s place. However, by using telemedicine, such hours can be saved by accessing through the comfort of their home. It does not only save time but proper medical attention can be given to the patient and the online teletherapy services provide variety to choose from.

3. Money-saving

Telemedicine is a cost-effective process, it saves money for both patients and doctors. So, the patient does not have to leave his work for getting a diagnosis just as in traditional practices and doctors will not lose money on the cancellation of appointments.

4. The better health care facility 

Treating a patient at their respective home gives them better chances of getting a cure. The caregivers from the family always make sure to take necessary care of the patient rather than in the hospital where nurses are appointed for care. It saves one money and time also by giving care at home. In any uncertainties availability of doctors on call 24/7, virtual critical care units, emergency response make them more convenient to use. 

5. Using technology to provide services 

Above all, Telemedicine provides patient monitoring. With the help of computer and phone technology, anyone can monitor the current status of patients, and live feedback can be shared through consultants and consumers. So the homebound patients can seek medical help without visiting frequently to the clinics.

Conclusion 

In the modern generation where everyone is busy with fulfilling their demand and needs, remaining healthy has become a cumbersome process. Also, Telemedicine has the potential to fulfill all the needs of today’s healthcare consumers and can revolutionize the healthcare industry. By increasing accessibility and efficiency through reducing the need for travel, making it cost-effective, providing all the medical support, availability of doctors 24/7 can call, offering various types of communication devices and unlimited teletherapy services online makes them more likely and handy to use. To sum up, the use of telemedicine has shown that better long-term care management and patient satisfaction which ultimately improves the quality of healthcare.