Explore the difference between telemedicine and telehealth and address when it is appropriate to use each of these by addressing the benefits and limitations of each. Length:

Telemedicine And Telehealth Services

Telemedicine involves the medical practice that employs technologies to provide treatment to patients who are remotely located. Telemedicine allows people to speak with a healthcare practitioner via technology rather than physically visiting a facility. A clinician in one place uses a telecommunications system to provide services to patients located far away. On the other hand, telehealth refers to a wide range of electronic and telecommunications systems and applications utilized to deliver services to patients over long distances. Telehealth is distinct from telemedicine in that it encompasses a greater scope of remote healthcare services. The primary distinction is that telemedicine only refers to distant clinical services. In contrast, telehealth can also pertain to remote non-clinical services, such as continuing health education programs in conjunction with clinical services (Schweickert, 2021).

Telemedicine may be used to discuss health complications and symptoms with a healthcare practitioner in real-time, utilizing video conferencing, internet portals, or email. It may be used to diagnose patients, educate them about treatment choices, and prescribe drugs. In a critical environment, healthcare practitioners can even remotely monitor readings from medical equipment to keep track of their health. Telemedicine has the advantages of reducing costs by avoiding transportation costs and time, facilitating on-demand treatment options, and enabling access to specialists (Sterling & LeRouge 2019).

Telehealth can be used in situations when health promotion, surveillance, and public health tasks are required. It focuses on health professional training and education, healthcare information distribution to medical professionals and patients, and healthcare system administration via the Internet and telecommunications. The advantages of telehealth include reducing patient costs, increasing access to care services, and enhancing patient engagement through remote monitoring. Regardless of their benefits, telemedicine and telehealth face technical challenges and may not wholly eliminate face-to-face visits or even be feasible for all clinical situations.

References

Schweickert, P. A. (2021). Practice in the Virtual Care Environment. Your Nursing 30-Hour License Renewal Package, 68.