Telemedicine, Telehealth, Virtual Healthcare, And Telecare, Any Significant Differences?

• Sep 23, 2022

The assertion that technology has revolutionized the way that business does business has obviously taken a different form with the healthcare sector. Although it's worth mentioning that there is a strong tie between technology and healthcare; which can be traced back to the late 1960s and early 1970s. Nevertheless, the persistent rate at which healthcare industry is skyrocketing, technologically, among other sectors e.g. Industrial, Agricultural, Real Estate, Materials, etc. most especially, during the first wave of COVID19 is indeed a miracle.

How can this be described? Truly, the sky is the limit with the level at which the healthcare industry is soaring high. Talk of medical terms, it so complicated that, sometimes, most patients misinterpret some new medical tech terms to another. For instance, I've met several people who thought medical terms such as Telecare, Telemedicine, and Telehealth can be used interchangeably. Well, just as the saying, 'what we don't know, we don't know.' But not knowing something isn't a sin, it's simply an avenue to explore and understand what we don't know. Therefore, we have compiled a detailed explanation of each concept to eradicate unnecessary confusion.

What's Telemedicine?

Traditionally, if you must see a doctor in-person, you must have consulted him/her first, booked an appointment, start treatment, and coming back as at when due for checkups. Just imagine the stress and the cost you may bore in a week! But with Telemedicine, it doesn't have to be in person. You can access your healthcare through platforms like live video, audio, or instant messaging to address common illness and manage chronic issues. However, in the case of serious conditions, you will be advised to see a doctor physically.

What Does Telehealth As A Medical Term Implies?

In her speech, Chief Clinical Officer Julie Cherry (RN, MSN) claimed telehealth involves the use of different kinds of technologies, but the point is that you're using these means to gather information and exchange information. In her conclusion, she says, "Telehealth technology may be a telephone, it could be a videoconferencing capability, it could be an IVR system."

What About Virtual Care, Any Tangible Function?

Yes, it has a significant meaning and function! Primarily, virtual care enables an individual to make appointments, remote monitoring, fast check-ins, diagnosis and condition checking, treatment planning, etc. In short, this avenue is tailored to ensure you're well taken care of even when you're far too busy to see a doctor in person. Furthermore, your health records are directly accessible right on your smartphone or tablets without anyone prying into your affairs.

Telehealth And Virtual Care Sound Interchangeable To Me, Any Real Differences?

You're not alone, but trust me, the differences are crystal clear! As previously described, Virtual Care is simply the means that connects the healthcare experts and you, which makes it a single branch. On the other hand, Telehealth is a broad term that encompasses the virtual healthcare sector and other branches. In other words, Telehealth is like a board game while Virtual healthcare service is just a piece among several pieces.

What Is Telecare?

Telecare is a special technological apparatus that enables patients to monitor their health without any external intervention. The procedure involves mobile monitoring devices, medical alert system, etc. Its primary objective is to track the patient's lifestyle and observe changes over time, and maintenance in real-time.

What Is Aafp's (The American Academy of Family Physicians) Conclusion of Telemedicine?

Unsurprisingly, the organization supports the use of telemedicine as an efficient means of improving general health, when due protocols are thoroughly observed.

IN A NUTSHELL

We hope we've done proper justification to these new medical terms, it's crystal clear that Telehealth is a wide medical concept that embraces other branches previously analyzed. But more importantly, what does all the swift move in healthcare sector indicates? Obviously, it’s a sign of total upturn and here is a forecast; In the next decade, the healthcare sector may have transformed to something more sophisticated and elegant.