Telemedicine Technology: a Review of Services, Equipment, and Other Aspects

Telemedicine uses technology to connect patients with providers at a distance. While the clinical aspects of this have been reviewed extensively, the technical aspects are not as well understood by allergists when they consider adding telemedicine to their practice. This review focuses on the technical aspects of setting up a telemedicine program.

With the advent of new technologies including high-speed Internet, video conferencing solutions, and digital examination equipment, facilitated virtual visits as replacements for in-person visits are now possible. The technical requirements for a successful telemedicine program include secure, high-speed Internet connection, a clinical telemedicine cart to serve as the hub for the interaction, patient access software, and access to IT professionals to set up the program and to be available when the system malfunctions. A carefully designed telemedicine program is more likely to be successful if the technical aspects are included in the planning process.