|
Abstract
E-health, telehealth and telemedicine all describe
the use of telecommunication and electronic information technology for
the provision of health care at a distance. Interest in telemedicine
has been heightened recently due to technological advances
making equipment more effective and accessible, and increasing
healthcare costs and client expectations
creating pressures
to find alternative modes of healthcare
delivery. Although
telemedicine suffers from a lack of conclusive evidence regarding its
clinical effectiveness, primarily because it has not been adequately
evaluated, its popularity and acceptance, particularly amongst lay
persons, continues to increase.
With the rapid increase in internet use,
email, an electronic communication
medium, has the potential to radically alter the
culture of health-care. Despite a number of logistical issues related
to its use, there is high consumer demand for email consultations, yet
only 2% of clinicians currently offer them. As issues surrounding
security, workflow, liability and workflow are resolved, email will
impact increasingly of clinical service delivery.
|
