Telehealth and telemedicine are both terms that are being used more in 2021. As we have learned, the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the development and use of virtual services, many of these being healthcare services. Telehealth and Telemedicine solutions have been on the rise and its important we now understand what they both mean for us. More so because the two terms can be easily confused and it’s not uncommon to see them used interchangeably. Let's take a look:

Telehealth

Telehealth refers to both clinical and non-clinical services and can be used to describe electronic and telecommunications. It doesn’t necessarily always relate to direct online communications with a clinician either. Telehealth encompasses a broader range of remote services so can be used when referring to provider training or continuing medical education as well as non-clinical services. It really is a term that can be used in a wide range of ways but it always brings together the many methods of virtual health services.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine solely refers to clinical services and although originally used to reach those in remote locations, telemedicine is now being embraced as part of the new normal in patient care. Telemedicine gives patients direct access to their clinician from the comfort of their homes or wherever they may be. It’s a forward-thinking method of allowing patients to receive appropriate care more conveniently online and when further treatment is required, patients can discuss with their clinician on how they move forward with any physical treatment.

It’s important to note that Telemedicine is a subset of Telehealth and can be used alongside it, although we must remember that not all Telehealth is Telemedicine. This information is vital when looking for the correct solutions and suppliers as well as understanding that both are aiming to increase access to healthcare and make health management more efficient for professionals and patients alike.

IbisVision provides remote vision testing software to the optical industry. Get in touch with us today to hear more about our telemedicine capabilities, and how they can benefit your organisation. Contact us, here.