:: What is Telemedicine? ::
Telemedicine is the use of high definition camera and audio equipment to open lines of communication between patients of remote areas and physicians. Paramedics can easily display the illness or injury to the physician without removing the patient from the jobsite; receive proper diagnosis, and deliver evaluation and treatment plans. The information can be viewed as a live feed for immediate action to be taken, or stored and sent at a later time for further consultation and diagnosis.
When is Telemedicine Useful?
Offshore and Isolated Areas
A challenge faced by most workers operating offshore or in isolated locations is that quality medical care is not readily available. With the use of telemedicine, it is not necessary for a costly specialist to be onsite; access to expert advice and examination is only a click away. This reduces the cost of travel for both the injured party and the physician.
Relief for Environmental and Natural Disasters
Utilizing technology allows for a much quicker response rate to injuries in times of natural disaster. First responders can connect with qualified physicians to receive expertise and provide urgent care to those who need it most.
Occupational Health
Injuries that occur on a jobsite can be very costly. Not only must the injured party be removed from the work site, but they must be accompanied by a supervisor. The direct cost alone can be significant and can be eliminated through the use of telemedicine. Bringing the physician to the patient through technological means can reduce or completely remove the necessity for anyone to leave the site in most cases.
Benefits of Telemedicine
- Less downtime as a result of injuries
- Minor injuries can be managed onsite
- Reduced time and overhead spent on medical services
- Immediate diagnosis
- Close relationship with direct physician
- Reduction of unnecessary testing
- Access to an occupational medical doctor versus a rural emergency room physician