Telemedicine is broadly defined as the use of technology to support the delivery of medical care over geographic distance. The increasing availability of Internet connectivity and portable, low-cost laptops and medical devices make it possible for the developing world to benefit significantly from telemedicine, where it has the potential to increase access to healthcare in rural and remote areas; provide care to mobile or evacuated populations; and increase the efficiency of physicians in urban areas.
In the most common practice model, physicians (or other healthcare providers) carry a compact tele-clinic with them. When they encounter a patient who would benefit from a consultation with remotely located senior or specialist physicians, the tele-clinic equipment is used to collect and transmit relevant clinical information. The foundation of the tele-clinic is a laptop computer; medical devices that may be included in a tele-clinic include EKG, respirometers, and digital cameras equipped for a variety of uses, including ENT and dermatology photographs. Data collected from these devices is automatically included in a referral request, while clear, Web-based interfaces guide physicians in the collection and reporting of other clinical information, such as history and symptoms.
Next stop: Exploring Telemedicine Possibilities in Afghanistan... Estimated date of Arrival - March 28, 2009 (Kabul), March 29 (Jalalabad)...
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