Telemedicine for Better or Worse
Telemedicine uses computers and telecommunications equipment to deliver medical care at a distance. It should be noted at the outset, however, that because the telecommunications equipment (hardware and software), the knowledge and training, and financial resources are not evenly distributed within the nation or throughout the world, telemedicine is not universally available. Many doctors do not use computers. Many of the computer systems that are in use are not compatible or interoperable (cannot talk to each other). Where telemedicine is in place, it is used in various medical specialties. (Burke and Weill) This type of medicine plays a very good role in places where there are logistical difficulties, extremes of climate, or scarce population where if you are in another state that is long distance the communication may be the only solution for efficient health services for these places. Tele-medicine has been defined as the use of tele-communications to provide medical information and services. It may be as simple as two health professionals discussing a case over the telephone, or as sophisticated as using satellite technology to broadcast a consultation between providers at facilities in two countries, using video-conferencing equipment. The actual practice of telemedicine can be defined as integration of medical, communication and information technology to provide medical advice on the basis of comprehensive information
Transferred from remote centres to specialty centres. (Health and Population 2008) I found it very interesting as I was watching the doctor come across the screen and talk to the patient and tell her what she was diagnosed with and then he told her what her option was normally the doctor