Telemedicine: The Age of Digital Health Care Technology Management

Abstract

Telemedicine once conceptualized as a futuristic method of dialogue between healthcare providers and patients, is now a reality owing to the pandemic caused by COVID-19. In simple terms, telemedicine involves the usage of information and communication technology to diminish the distance between remote patients and the healthcare system. Additionally, telemedicine is not restricted to public health possibilities but also envisages advancement in medical education and research. The field of telemedicine expanded in step with the development of telecommunication technologies, and as previous pandemic-related travel restrictions decreased mobility, the idea of equitable access to digital health gained traction. Telemedicine appears to be a feasible and attractive alternative to the conventional medical approach that is sure to stay due to easy access to world-class healthcare facilities by remote and rural populations without unnecessary delay in treatment time. This chapter addresses the viability of telemedicine in the present environment, its effectiveness in bridging the communication gap between the medical service provider and the recipient, recent attempts for its better implementation, and the difficulties in realizing the benefits of telemedicine. The chapter provides insights to researchers about the management and opportunities in the telemedicine field, specifically in chronic diseases, to develop it as an economical digital healthcare approach.