Telemedicine Risks and Benefits

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that there is much discussion, debate, and controversy over telemedicine and it relates to benefits versus risks. The writer expalins that the term telemedicine, itself, holds various definitions and connotations and can be perplexing and sometimes an overwhelming concept to grasp. However, ultimately, most authors agree that telemedicine has become an integral part of modern medicine, and decision makers, clinicians and patients need to be informed of the potential benefits and risks to make informed decisions. The writer offers a didactic understanding of the potential benefits and risks that should be considered while practicing or before engaging upon a telemedicine program or practice. This paper merely touches the subject matter and it not intended to be a comprehensive report on any one aspect of telemedicine.

Table of contents:
Introduction
Telemedicine Defined
Literature Review
Potential Benefits
Direct Patient Care/Remote Monitoring
Consumer Medical and Health Information
Rapid Exchange of Information Between Health Facilities and Providers Legal Considerations
Risks
Public Education/Quality Assurance
Conclusion
References

From the Paper:

"Telemedicine and electronic medical information provide the opportunity to rapidly disseminate and publish specialized health information or healthcare warnings to the general public. In addition, there is opportunity for those that are unable or unwilling to meet in a set infrastructure to participate in online asynchronous or real-time discussion/support groups. This technology not only allows these individuals to participate, but they have the opportunity to participate with others world-wide, thus, expanding their support base.
"WebMD is one of the more well known public websites in the U.S. for information on a variety of medical conditions, diseases, and advice. WebMD offers information on a variety of diseases, conditions, healthy living; gives people an opportunity to check their symptoms, and includes health blogs. The site also reports current Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approvals and warnings and announces epidemics and outbreaks."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Beady, F. (2005). Real-time-video in the neo-natal intensive care nursery: A global telemedicine and teaching network for children in under-served areas. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare 11 (Suppl. 2).Retrieved on November 23, 2006 from: http://0-proquest.umi.com.novacat.nova.edu/pqdweb?index=2&did=1069210141&SrchMode=3&sid=2&Fmt=6&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1164309750&clientId=17038&aid=3.
• Baba, M., Seckin, D, and Kapdagli, S. (2005). A comparison of teledermatology using store-and-forward methodology alone and in combination with web camera videoconferencing. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare. Retrieved on October 27, 2006, from: http://0- proquest.umi.com.novacat.nova.edu/pqdweb?index=2&did=926130421&SrchMo de=3&sid=1&Fmt=6&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD& TS=1161900327&clientId=17038&aid=1.
• Benedict, S. (2006). Legal and ethical aspects of telemedicine. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare 12(4), 166. Retrieved on October 21, 2006 from http://0proquest.umi.com.novacat.nova.edu/pqdweb?index =2&did=1070802931&SrchMode=1&sid=5&Fmt=6&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1162050007&clientId=17038.
• Bonneville, L. and Pare, D. (2006). Socioeconomic stakes in the development of telemedicine. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 12(5), 217. Retrieved on November 5, 2006, from: http://0 proquest.umi.com.novacat.nova.edu/pqdweb?index=0&did=1094489561&SrchMode=1&sid=2&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1162752699&clientId=17038
• Bynum, A. Cranford, C., Irwin, C., and Banken J. (2006). Effect of telemedicine on Patients' diagnosis and treatment. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare. Retrieved on October 11, 2006, from: http://0- proquest.umi.com.novacat.nova.edu/pqdweb?index=4&did=987248191&SrchMo de=3&sid=1&Fmt=6&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD& TS=1160597135&clientId=17038&aid=1.

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