TELEHEALTH SYSTEM OF THE WORLD

By this point, you’ve probably heard of telehealth. You know that it involves using telecommunications technology for a range of health services, at a distance. But if you’re a healthcare provider or other health professional who wants to start a telehealth program, you might not know where to start. What kinds of telehealth systems and equipment are required?

The best telehealth systems are as intuitive and simple as possible. Here’s an overview of some of the basic elements of many telehealth systems.

TELEHEALTH KIOSK

 

Telehealth systems used by retail clinics and employers sometimes require installation of a telehealth kiosk. A telehealth kiosk is a small physical booth (think photobooth), usually with a curtain or door for privacy. Each kiosk usually holds a computer, a monitor, a webcam, a microphone, and a variety of mobile medical devices for capturing basic medical data (like blood pressure or heart rate).

WEBCAMS AND DIGITAL CAMERAS

Real-time telehealth systems, for instance, require a webcam to connect patients and providers (or providers with a referring specialist) through 2-way video. Some telehealth systems might incorporate a simple digital camera that allows patients to take a photo of a rash, and infection, or a skin abnormality and share it securely with their doctor.

TELESTATION AND CARTS

Telehealth systems used by larger health systems often require a cart or mobile telehealth station. The mobile carts are often stocked with everything physicians need to video-conference a consulting specialist, capture and share patient medical data, or check-in on a patient at home or in another facility in real-time. Healthcare providers might bring these carts into a patient’s hospital room to connect with another physician during the patient’s exam.