Telemedicine

Telemedicine involves the use of electronic communications (telephone, computer, etc.) to enable health care professionals (doctors, nurses, physician assistants, and others) at a different location from the patient to share medical information with that patient for the purpose of improving access to patient care. The information may be used for diagnosis, therapy, follow-up and/or education, and may include any of the following:

• Patient medical records

• Medical images

• Live two-way audio and video

• Output data from medical devices and sound and video files

The electronic systems used will attempt to incorporate security protocols to protect the confidentiality of patient identification and imaging data and will include measures to safeguard the data and to ensure its integrity against corruption.

Expected Benefits

• Improved access to medical care by enabling a patient to remain in his/her location while the health care professional provides medical information from a distant site

• Limiting the spread of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases

• Ability to obtain consultation from a distant medical specialist without traveling

• Conservation of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks to reduce shortages for health care professionals

• Allow medical evaluation and management of patients who are unable to travel

Possible Risks

As with any medical procedure, there are risks associated with the use of telemedicine. These risks include, but may not be limited to:

• Information transmitted may not be sufficient to allow for appropriate medical decision-making by the health care professional. This may cause a delay in medical evaluation and treatment.

• Security protocols could fail, causing a breach of privacy of personal medical information.

• A lack of access to complete medical records may result in adverse drug interactions or allergic reactions or other medical errors.