Telehealth

Telehealth

Telehealth is a branch of medicine that uses telecommunications technology to deliver care
at a distance. It allows patients to receive care from providers in different locations and can be
used to improve access to care, improve the quality of care, and reduce costs. Telehealth can be
used for various primary, mental, and specialty care. However, there are multiple examples of
telehealth that include a patient portal, Patient portals, video conferencing, remote monitoring,
Telephone/email/text messaging, and Store and forward technology.
Patient portals
Patient portals are a type of technology that can be used in telehealth to improve
communication between patients and their healthcare providers. Patient portals can provide
several benefits, including the ability for patients to view their medical records, schedule
appointments, and receive test results. Additionally, patient portals can help to improve
medication compliance and allow patients to receive education and support from their healthcare
providers (Catalyst 2018).
Video conferencing
Video conferencing technology is a type of technology that allows people to communicate
with each other using video and audio signals. There are many benefits to using video
conferencing technology in telehealth, including providing care to patients in remote areas,
improving access to care, and reducing costs. Video conferencing can also help to enhance
communication between providers and patients and can allow for the sharing of important
medical information. (Catalyst 2018).
Remote monitoring

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Remote monitoring technology is a system where sensors collect data from a remote
location and then transmit this data to a central monitoring station. There are a few different
ways that remote monitoring technology can be used in telehealth, but one of the most common
is tracking patient vital signs. This can be done using devices that the patient wears, transmitting
data wirelessly to the care provider. This data can help the care provider monitor the patient's
condition and ensure they are doing well (George &cross, 2020). Another way remote
monitoring technology can be used in telehealth is to provide patients with access to their
medical records. This can be done through a secure website or portal the patient can access from
their home. This can allow them to track their progress and keep track of their health. (Catalyst
2018).
Telephone/email/text messaging
Telephone/email/text messaging technology is a type of telehealth that allows patients and
providers to communicate with each other using a telephone, email, or text message. This type of
telehealth can be used for various purposes, including appointment reminders, prescription refill
reminders, and general health information (Catalyst 2018).
Store and forward technology
Store and forward technology in telehealth is a way of transmitting medical data from one
location to another. This data can be sent via various methods, including email, fax, or a secure
website. Once the information is received, it can be stored on a server or a computer for later
review. Another way is for a clinician to take pictures or videos of a patient's condition and send
them to a specialist for assessment. Another way is to use store and forward technology to send
patient information, such as medical records or test results, to a specialist. This can be done
electronically or by mail (Catalyst 2018).

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My healthcare work setting uses teleconferencing for things like patient consultations and
appointments. We also use store-and-forward for stuff like sending test results and X-rays. We
are considering using remote patient monitoring to collect patient health data from a distance.

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References

Catalyst, N. E. J. M. (2018). What is telehealth?. NEJM Catalyst, 4(1).
George, L. A., & Cross, R. K. (2020). Remote monitoring and telemedicine in IBD: are we there
yet?. Current Gastroenterology Reports, 22(3), 1-6.