Over 50 years ago, telemedicine was simply an experiment in which some hospitals tried to reach patients who were in a different location.[1] With the speedy changes in technology in just the last decade or so, it is easy to see how telemedicine has transformed many patients’ access to health care. It is now widely used as an integrated service for private physician offices, health care facilities, clinics, hospitals and even homes.
The Evolution of Telemed Connectivity
Today, telemedicine has evolved in almost the same speed as technology has advanced. Such progress gave way to the accessibility and affordability of tools that are used for telemedicine. For instance, it is now possible to have live video chat with a physician.
The internet, mobile phones, cloud storage and broadband speeds can have a great effect on the outcome of the consultation via telemedicine. Wireless connectivity allows the patient and medical professional to connect with each other to perform a consultation as well as other activities, such as patient monitoring and education.
Despite the advances in technology, there are still some challenges that telemedicine is facing. These challenges include connectivity issues, low bandwidth and poor video and image quality. However, with a reliable telemedicine system, it is possible to solve these problems.
Connectivity and Remote Consultations
Telemedicine allows the delivery of health care services for patients who are in remote areas. There are also some patients who simply want to manage their time without waiting to get an appointment with a doctor.
In the U.S., 80% of the population that has an internet connection, or about 93 million Americans, turn to the web to gain information about their health.[2] With the huge percentage of people using the online world to search for symptoms and other significant information about their health complaints, telemedicine has become an even better solution for those who want to know their condition. After all, they will be connected with a real professional who can provide them with diagnosis and even recommendations to improve their health. Telemedicine has made it easy for professionals to give a valid diagnosis for patients as well as treat and prevent certain injuries and diseases.
Telemedicine connectivity can now be done in so many ways. Patients and doctors can easily be connected to each other through online support groups, the use of online health information and tools that allow self-management and email and online communication. Health providers can use electronic health records to keep track of their patients. There are also tools available that can help monitor vital signs, including blood pressure levels of patients, even when they are in a remote location.
The use of telemedicine via wireless internet is expected to continue to expand to reach more patients.
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References:
[1] https://www.nuemd.com/news/2017/01/04/quick-look-history-telemedicine
[2] http://www.nbcnews.com/id/3077086/t/more-people-search-health-online/