Summary
Objective
Telehealth has long been seen as a means of increasing access and quality of care
while decreasing costs and logistical burden for remote health care delivery. Underlying
technology to support Telehealth has been developed commercially. However, its widespread
adoption has been hindered by numerous clinical, social, political, economic and management
factors. This paper examines trends which may help to address this situation.
Methods
First we consider the current status of Telehealth based on some state-of-the-art
reviews. Then we present some new future modes of Telehealth services, as described
by various prominent authors. From these we identify some common directional themes
and fundamental issues affecting the success of future Telehealth innovations.
Results
This position paper advances a view that Telehealth in the future will be much more
driven by widespread pressure from two different drivers: more ubiquitous connectivity
and related technological capabilities due to greater diversity in human communication practices, and new models of care emerging from diverse widespread movements towards health services reform.
Conclusion
The IMIA Working Group on Telehealth work agenda will address some specific items
within the areas described above.
Keywords
Telehealth - telemedicine - telecare - mhealth - health services
