When thinking about healthcare, most of us conjure up images of office visits or trips to the ER. Whether it’s for a routine check-up, lab tests, an outpatient procedure or major surgery, the norm is for patients and caregivers to leave their homes (often sitting in traffic or rushing from work) to meet their doctor at a healthcare facility of some kind. But things are changing.
Based on advances in information and communications technologies, medical professionals as well as other “health and care” providers can now offer increasingly robust, remote (from their location to another), interactive (two-way) services to consumers, patients and caregivers.
The terms used to describe these broadband-enabled interactions include telehealth, telemedicine, and telecare.
“Telehealth” evolved from the word “telemedicine.” “Telecare” is a similar term that you generally hear in Europe. All three of these words are often – but not always – used interchangeably. They can also have different meanings, depending on who you ask. And that’s precisely why you should ask your doctor, your insurance provider, your nurse, or anyone who’s part of your health and care universe
Telehealth
Definition:
Telehealth is an umbrella term that includes a wide range of technologies and services used to deliver healthcare and health-related services remotely.
Scope:
Encompasses both clinical and non-clinical services.
Services Provided:
- Clinical services (telemedicine)
- Health education
- Administrative meetings
- Continuing medical education
- Remote monitoring of health conditions
- Health and wellness apps
Examples:
- Video visits with healthcare providers
- Remote monitoring of blood pressure or glucose levels
- Online health education programs
- Virtual wellness programs and support groups
Telemedicine
Definition:
Telemedicine is a subset of telehealth focused specifically on the practice of medicine using technology to provide clinical services remotely.
Scope:
Primarily involves clinical services such as consultations, diagnosis, and treatment.
Services Provided:
- Virtual doctor visits for acute or chronic conditions
- Remote prescription management
- Digital transmission of medical imaging and test results
- Online mental health counseling and therapy
Examples:
- Video consultations for managing chronic diseases like diabetes or hypertension
- Online diagnosis and treatment of infections or skin conditions
- E-prescribing medications after a remote consultation
Telecare
Definition:
Telecare involves the use of technology to provide support and monitoring for individuals, often those with chronic conditions or the elderly, to help them live independently and safely at home.
Scope:
Focuses on providing ongoing support and ensuring safety through remote monitoring and assistance.
Services Provided:
- Remote monitoring of vital signs and health indicators
- Emergency response systems that alert caregivers or medical professionals if there is a problem
- Daily living aids and assistive technologies for elderly or disabled individuals
Examples:
- Personal emergency response systems (PERS) that allow you to call for help in case of a fall or medical emergency
- Remote monitoring devices that track vital signs and send alerts if readings go outside normal ranges
- Automated medication dispensers that remind you to take your medications
Key Differences
- Breadth of Services:
- Telehealth: Includes a wide range of health-related services, both clinical and non-clinical.
- Telemedicine: Specifically refers to clinical services provided remotely.
- Telecare: Focuses on remote support and monitoring for safety and independence.
- Types of Activities:
-
- Telehealth: Covers clinical care (telemedicine), health education, administrative tasks, and remote monitoring.
- Telemedicine: Centers solely on clinical care, such as diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up visits.
- Telecare: Involves remote monitoring and emergency response to support independent living.
- Use Cases:
-
- Telehealth: Used for a broad array of activities including clinical visits, health education, and remote monitoring.
- Telemedicine: Specifically for remote medical consultations, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Telecare: Primarily for monitoring and emergency support to ensure safety and independence at home.
Summary
- Telehealth: The broadest category, including all forms of remote healthcare and health-related services.
- Telemedicine: A subset of telehealth, focusing on providing clinical medical care remotely.
- Telecare: A specific area within telehealth aimed at providing remote support and monitoring to help individuals live safely and independently.
Each of these services plays a crucial role in modern healthcare, offering convenience, improved access, and enhanced support for various health needs. If you have specific questions or need assistance with any of these services, please contact My At Home MD or visit our Resources page for more information.