A communication-theory based view on telemedical communication

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Communication Theory
• Linguistic Pragmatics

Background:

• Health telematics and electronic medical communication are evolving rapidly.
• Understanding the underlying communicative structures is crucial for effective application development.
• Conventional communication models may not fully capture the nuances of telemedical interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the communicative structures within health telematics using communication theory.
• To compare electronic medical communication with conventional communication methods.
• To identify special features of telemedical communication and provide recommendations for future development.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of telemedical applications through the lens of communication theory, focusing on linguistic pragmatics.
• Examination of semiotic models, partner roles, message characteristics, and communication channels.
• Evaluation of communicative processes as rational, goal-oriented actions.

Main Results:

• Electronic medical communication exhibits distinct features, including a frequent third participant (the patient).
• Messages are often directed to unspecified partners or groups, with role-based addressing.
• Communication and messages directly influence participant actions and are subject to heavy regulation, including legal implications.

Conclusions:

• Current telemedical application development has not sufficiently considered communicative structures.
• Future telemedical services require a deeper integration of communication theory principles.
• Recommendations are provided for enhancing telemedical applications based on identified communicative features.