Telemedicine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt6O_RLTRlA&feature=PlayList&p=CAC9257F81426FA8&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=2

The use of electronic or digital communication technologies as a method of delivery health/ medical education and medical care.

It includes: Still images, audio feeds, telephone calls, e-mail or video transmissions.

Specialists aim to bring their services to the patients instead of having the patients come to their services.

It also greatly aids those who live in inaccessible or underdeveloped areas who would normally not have access to good, reliable health care.

The first form of telemedicine took place after the invention of the telephone in 1906. through the use of the telephone patients could communicate with the doctor or specialist and inform them of their condition. Unfortunately the doctor could not actually see the patient and could only rely on the information provided by the patient.

In 1900s, people living in isolated areas of Australia use two- way radio to communicate with their medical care and service providers.

In 1920s ship radios were used to link physicians with sailors at sea during medical emergencies.

In 1955, the first facility to use closed-circuit television for health reasons

In 1970, paramedics in isolated areas of some Alaska and Canadian villages were able to link hospitals in urban towns via satellite to perform lifesaving techniques.

Today however the use of newer technology, specialist and consultants are able to react faster and more efficiently to those in need.

Store and Forward This type of telemedicine doesn’t

require the presence of the doctors/ specialists and the patients, it works best for non-emergency situations.

It takes the form of a “multimedia e-mail” that contains medical information including: medical images or videos. This e-mail is then sent to a medical specialist. As the specialist is not on-line with the patient, they may review the information on their own or consult other specialists. Once the specialist has reached a conclusion, they then send back their reply

Real time telemedicine

Requires the presence of the patients and the consultant/ specialist and can be as simple as a phone conversation or as complicated as robotic surgery.

A communication link allows then to communicate in real time.

Video conferencing is the most common form of real time telemedicine.

Teleradiology

This type of telemedicine has to do with x-rays. Teleradiology is the ability to send x-rays from one location to another for diagnostic purposes. Once the x-ray has been sent by one party and received by another, it can be viewed on the computer or printed out.

Video Conferencing

It’s basically a conference/ consultation between a doctor/ specialist and a patient. It involves both parties communicating to each other live over long distances via web cams. This type is helpful for both the patient and the doctor as the patient can digitally show the doctor what is wrong with them. The doctors can then base their decision what they see, instead of what they hear over the phone or read in e-mail.

Home care

It’s especially helpful for those who cannot leave the comfort of their home for medical or physical reasons. Home care allows patients to communicate love to their doctors/ specialist via video or voice links on their home computer. Though the use of their home computer, the patient can also send their doctor their current medical situation such as: their pulse, blood pressure, chest sounds, the content in their syringe, etc.

Some Medical Fields Telemedicine is use in

Cardiology: the branch of medicine concerning the heart

Psychiatry: the branch of medicine dealing with the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of the mind and mental illness.

Oncology: the branch of medicine that focus on the development, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of tumors (cancer)

Dermatology: the branch of medicine concerning the skin (hair, acne, moles, nails, etc)

Helps people in isolated areas receive health care

May keep people working longer Keeps people from traveling to the hospital

which in turn can save gas and stop pollution. Helps specialist communicate with other

specialist for consultation Can be used to educate in practice or

framework doctors A benefit for the physically disabled people Can weaken geographical barriers

The distribution of technology is difficult- not everyone who needs it receive it (Digital Divide)

Specialist need to be trained to use telemedicine (can’t offered everywhere)

Not everyone has access to a computer or video conferencing hardware or software

Language barriers present a problem

Social and ethical issues

Look to the handout Pages: 5-6 (discussion)

Quiz

On Sunday hand in the assignment

On Sunday –Area of impact: Education- business and employment

Assignment