LP 2&3: Foundational Knowledge - What is Teleconsultation?

Definition

Teleconsultation is defined as synchronous or asynchronous consultation using information and communication technology to omit geographical and functional distance. Its goals are for diagnostics or treatment between two or more geographically separated health providers (for example, physicians or nurses) or between health providers and patients. “Remote consultation” is the superior term of teleconsultation in MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) and is defined as “Consultation by remote telecommunications, generally to diagnosis or treatment of a patient at a site remote from the patient or primary physician”(Deldar et al., 2016).

The advantages of Teleconsultation

• The teleconsultation system does not replace medicine, but allows easy access to care and provides good added value thanks to videoconferencing and the electronic sending of documents.
• It is essential in the current infectious disease emergency situation because it limits travel and contact, and therefore the risk of contamination.
• It protects patients, healthcare professionals and citizens (CNS, n.d.)