What Is A Telemedicine? And Process Of Telemedicine

Introduction

Telemedicine is a modern medical system where the patient and the doctor can receive and provide medical care without physically being in the same place. It is primarily served through telecommunication technologies, such as video calls, audio calls, email, chatting, and using specialized applications. In this, doctors communicate with patients remotely to solve their health problems, give medical advice, and take necessary medical measures.

Advantages of telemedicine:

• Easy Access: Patients in rural or remote areas can easily access the services of specialist doctors. Where local specialist doctors are difficult to find, telemedicine is a huge advantage.
• Saving time and money: Instead of going to a hospital for treatment, patients can talk to doctors at home, saving time and travel costs.
• Emergency medical care: Sometimes urgent medical care is needed and quick consultation can be done using telemedicine. This is a good way to get timely treatment.
• Active follow-up and mental health care: It is suitable for long-term follow-up of patients. Patients can also receive care at home for mental health issues, which helps reduce stress.
• Extend access to treatment: Telemedicine can be the only means of access to treatment for patients, especially during pandemics or lockdowns.

Process of telemedicine:

The following steps are generally followed for receiving treatment through telemedicine:

• Registration or making an appointment: The patient registers and makes an appointment with the doctor by providing his information on a certain platform or application online.
• Medical consultation: Patient connects with doctor through video call or audio call at specific time. Here he gives detailed information about his illness or symptoms and the doctor gives medical advice based on follow-up.
• Issuing Prescriptions: Doctors can provide necessary test recommendations or drug prescriptions online, which the patient gets through the app.
• Follow-up: If necessary, the doctor monitors the patient’s progress through follow-up and gives further necessary instructions.

Challenges of Telemedicine:

Although telemedicine has many advantages, there are also some limitations and challenges, such as:

• Experiencing technical problems: Poor quality of internet connection can lead to problems while talking on video calls, which affects the quality of medical care.
• Physical examination not possible: Direct physical examination is not possible through telemedicine, which can be a major challenge in diagnosing complex diseases.
• Privacy and data security: It is natural to be concerned about data security when sharing health information online. So it is important to use a secure platform.

The Future of Telemedicine:

Nowadays, the use of telemedicine is increasing day by day with the advancement of technology. The need and importance of this has increased enormously especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. In the future, telemedicine services are expected to become more advanced and accessible. Artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced telecommunication technologies will make diagnosis and medical care more accurate and efficient.

This innovative approach to telemedicine has changed the way people receive medical treatment and has made medical care easier and more accessible. This has reduced the distance between doctor and patient and created a new opportunity for treatment.

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