What is the Definition of Telemedicine and How Does this Technology Help the Medical Community?
What is Telemedicine?
Telemedicine is a rapidly growing application and it is widely used across the globe. But many still wonder “what exactly is telemedicine?” Let’s explore the term, how it is used and what future advantages this has for medical practices.
It is a simple notion really. We transfer information through the telephone, the internet and so on. Telemedicine is no different. It is a way to transmit medical data through the technology we use daily in our lives. Think of it as a networking tool. This is primarily used as a way for doctors and practitioners to consult regarding procedures, examinations and more.
Even if it is merely two doctors talking on the telephone about a complex issue and determining the best course of action, this is still telemedicine. Or it can be a very large scale technological conference such as a two way digital video and voice or a satellite relay. Many medical professionals call telemedicine simply, an information exchange.
Some other terms that have been used are: cybersurgery, cybermedicine, telehealth, ehealth and so on. Of course, each of these aspects is very real and they are in deed a part of telemedicine but telemedicine is a broad description of an array of facets encompassed within this term.
How Telemedicine Helps Medical Staff, Clinics, and Institutes
Telemedicine is not a new branch of medicine as a whole; in fact it is merely a part of normal and routine clinical practices. Some might tend to think that because we are hearing more about it now in the information age that it is a medical specialty or new way of practicing medicine. This is not accurate at all. The staffs from medical institutes, doctor’s offices and hospitals use this as a tool to exchange information. It is best to think of it as a clinical resource where nearly all practicing medical personnel can use. Telemedicine has also helped medical staff in isolated environments (like ones in the military) get information from specialists around the world instantly.
So, how does this benefit medical science and technology for our future? Well, with the various ways one can communicate medical data this allows us, both doctors and patients, to reap the rewards of knowledge. As the exchange of facts and records are consistently relayed across the world more breakthroughs can be made leaving no stone unturned or secret uncovered. This could mean faster cures, easier recoveries, and more efficient clinical assessments.
