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Cloud Computing in Healthcare: Benefits, Use Cases, & Challenges

Posted on by Pavel Tantsiura
In this issue:

Cloud computing has become an important part of modern businesses, and the healthcare industry is no exception. Healthcare providers must use cloud-based solutions if they want to keep up with the fast changes in the industry and give patients the best care possible. When used in the medical field, it significantly affects how information is stored, retrieved, and shared. It can also help hospitals save money, increase speed and agility, and provide better care to patients.

By 2027, the global market for cloud computing in healthcare will be worth $42.21 billion. This growth is likely driven by the growing need for healthcare organizations to store and analyze data and the growing number of healthcare organizations that use cloud solutions.

MICROSOFT CLOUD FOR HEALTHCARE: HOW MS CLOUD SOLUTIONS ARE BENEFITING HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS

In some way, more than 83% of healthcare organizations are already using cloud computing, according to a survey done by HIMSS. The survey also found that medical firms are using cloud-based data storage solutions more to improve patient care, lower operational costs, and make their work more efficient. According to a study, global spending on cloud services will increase from $494.7 billion in 2022 to nearly $600 billion by the end of 2023. 

But why are healthcare organizations moving to the cloud? Keep reading this article; we will discuss cloud computing, its use in healthcare, its benefits, various types and platforms, and how it impacts the healthcare industry. Let’s jump right into it!

What is Cloud Computing?

The term “cloud computing” is often used to make computing resources, such as data storage and processing power, available on demand through a network of remote servers. The “cloud” is a network of remote data centers that can be accessed through the internet and used by many people simultaneously.

cloud based healthcare solutions

Cloud computing makes it easy to store documents in a central place where people can access them from any device at any time. In the past, you had to be at a certain place to use software and apps stored on a computer or server. With the help of cloud solutions, users can now access their data and apps through the web. 

Ins and Outs of Cloud Computing in Healthcare

When we talk about “cloud-based healthcare,” we’re referring to the practice of using solutions based on the cloud to develop and administer healthcare services. In contrast to the traditional method of setting up data centers on-site to store data on individual computers, this method gives healthcare stakeholders various ways to access the data servers from a distance. Also, this is very helpful for big and small health organizations because it lets them store data safely away from their main office.

Real-World Illustrations of How Cloud Computing is Transforming Healthcare

how cloud computing helps in communication and data transfer for healthcare providers

CLOUD ELASTICITY VS. SCALABILITY: MAIN DIFFERENCES TO KNOW ABOUT

Cloud computing can help providers improve patient care by assisting them in keeping up with the latest advances in medicine and technology. Here are ten examples of how cloud computing is used in healthcare:

Thanks to cloud and telehealth services, patients can get clinical care no matter where they are. Telemedicine projects, like telemedicine apps, telesurgery, etc., can use cloud computing as the backbone of their information and communication technology. Also, doctors and healthcare stakeholders can talk to each other and share their knowledge to treat more complex and challenging conditions. In the field of telemedicine, cloud-based solutions can be used for the following:

  • Real-time, cross-border exchange of patients’ medical records
  • Accessing the stored information at a time and location of their choosing
  • Saving time and money by reducing pointless doctor visits

In the drug discovery and recovery process, much computing power is needed to sort through trillions of chemical structures and find promising compounds. The many IaaS services available in the cloud make this process much easier and faster. Several joint ventures, like the one between Newcastle University, Molplex, and Microsoft Research, have used IaaS to help find new drugs, thus saving a lot of time and money.

The healthcare sector has adopted management information systems to improve internal and external communication and serve patients better in several ways. Some of these ways include improving querying services, billing and finances, and the management of human resources. 

Because the data in this system is sensitive, the developers build, test, and put it into use using cloud-based platform services. With the help of cloud technology, the system can be constructed quickly and encourage teamwork. It can also be more easily connected to other healthcare systems.

CLOUD COMPUTING SECURITY RISKS, AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

Health firms can also use the cloud to manage patient health records (PHR) and electronic health records (EHR). Patients usually keep their health records (PHR), while managed-care organizations and single hospitals each keep their electronic health records (EHR) and electronic medical records (EMR). Thanks to cloud computing, it is now easier to control who has access to which resources and how.

healthcare professionals can use EHRs to improve patient data recording

The clinical decision support system (CDSS) is a highly developed program that acts and thinks like a doctor to help doctors analyze patient records. It is an expert system that models its recommendations on the knowledge and actions of a practicing doctor who has reviewed the patient’s medical records. 

With the development of fitness trackers and smartphones with biometric sensors for monitoring vitals like heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels, these cloud-based systems are helpful for real-time diagnosis. In addition, health providers can use CDSS for making diagnoses and writing prescriptions.

The adaptability and cost-effectiveness of cloud technology have made it a useful tool in the classroom. Medical students, doctors, professionals, and researchers are increasingly turning to cloud-based libraries to keep up with the most recent developments in their field.  

EDGE COMPUTING EXPLAINED WITH EXAMPLES

Digital libraries ensure that teachers, students, doctors, and scientists can always find the most up-to-date resources when they need them. In addition, doctors can learn about developments in the healthcare system and find resources to help them become more efficient in their work.

With cloud systems, healthcare organizations can better connect with patients because they can access patient data quickly and easily. Also, doctors and nurses can check on patients from a distance and collect real-time data.

rpm

Cloud computing helps healthcare organizations manage their supply chain more efficiently. They can also better manage patient populations more effectively, as they can access real-time data and make better decisions faster. 

Cloud solutions make it easier and faster for healthcare organizations to make and use mobile health apps. Health firms can also store and manage medical images quickly, securely, and efficiently.

HOW THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY BENEFITS FROM HYBRID CLOUD SOLUTIONS

Cloud-based solutions can help healthcare organizations prescribe medications to patients safely and efficiently. In addition, the big data analytics feature of cloud computing makes it easier for healthcare providers to analyze patient data and make informed decisions.

Types of Cloud Computing in Healthcare

Cloud computing in healthcare is classified based on its deployment environment and distribution service. 

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In the deployment environment, there are three main types of cloud computing in healthcare: public, private, and hybrid. We’ll briefly describe them below:

  1. Private Cloud Services

Private cloud services run on the organization’s servers and are managed by the IT department of the organization. Private cloud services are better for healthcare organizations that need to store and access sensitive data because they give more control and security than public cloud services. 

  1. Public Cloud Services

Public cloud services are hosted on the public internet and managed by a third-party hosting provider. Public cloud services are typically the least expensive and most widely used in healthcare. Public cloud services are ideal for healthcare organizations that don’t have the resources to manage their cloud infrastructure. 

  1. Hybrid Cloud Services

Hybrid cloud services combine public with private cloud services so that businesses can get the best of both worlds. Hybrid service is ideal for healthcare organizations that need to store sensitive and non-sensitive data. Hybrid cloud services combine the flexibility of public cloud services with the security and control of private cloud services.

CLOUD SERVICE MODELS EXPLAINED: PAAS VS. SAAS VS. IAAS VS. DBAAS

Under distributive service, there are three major types of cloud computing in healthcare: SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS. We’ll briefly describe them below:

  • SaaS

SaaS is a cloud-based technology that offers web-based applications that are already set up, such as medical records management systems. With software as a service (SaaS), healthcare organizations can use cloud-based applications, but an outside party handles the hosting and management of those applications.

  • PaaS

Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a type of architecture in which development environments are hosted and managed by a remote cloud service provider. It also deals with software and hardware tools, such as a debugger, compiler, and source code editor. With a PaaS, HealthTech developers can quickly build, test, and launch their apps in production environments.

  • IaaS

IaaS, which stands for “infrastructure as a service,” is when an outside cloud provider hosts a network’s servers and storage spaces.

CLOUD ERP VS ON-PREMISE ERP

9 Benefits of Cloud Computing in the Healthcare Industry

The introduction of cloud solutions has greatly benefited the health sector. Let’s look at some of the significant benefits of cloud computing in the healthcare industry.

benefits of cloud computing in the healthcare software domain

With the help of cloud computing, the managed healthcare system can easily combine data from many different sources, like other facilities, data repositories, healthcare apps, wearables, etc. As a result, it helps spread information about patients, lets doctors make quick diagnoses, and ensures that people get the proper treatment as soon as possible.

Cloud solutions are usually cheaper than on-premise solutions, which can help healthcare organizations save money. Also, they can help lower operational costs by automating data storage and computing power and eliminating the need for physical storage.

Cloud solutions can help healthcare organizations streamline processes to do more work in less time. Healthcare providers can do their jobs more effectively by making it easier to access and analyze data and by using less expensive and time-consuming IT infrastructure. 

WHAT IS A LIFT AND SHIFT CLOUD MIGRATION?

Cloud providers typically use advanced encryption technologies and access control to protect sensitive medical data while in transit and at rest. Also, because cloud service providers regularly update their data security measures, health firms can keep sensitive medical information from getting into the wrong hands and prevent data breaches. 

By using cloud computing, organizations can take advantage of the security measures that providers have in place rather than developing and maintaining their security infrastructure, which can be costly and difficult to manage.

Cloud computing makes it easier for healthcare providers to collaborate and share data with other providers more quickly and securely. Also, healthcare providers can quickly and easily access patient information, which lets them give timely, personalized care.

Cloud solutions can make it easier and faster for organizations to grow their operations because they can get more resources when needed. Also, you are only charged for the resources like data storage and computing power that you use. Thus preventing business owners from spending money upfront for expensive in-house hardware and servers that they may or may not use to their full potential.

PUBLIC VS. PRIVATE VS. HYBRID CLOUD COMPUTING

Cloud storage for medical records makes storing and finding data more accessible, reducing the need to re-enter data and making it more accessible. When patients have access to their records whenever they need them, they feel more in charge of their health care and have a more significant say in the decisions that affect them. It helps with self-care and boosts engagement.

Cloud adoption can help healthcare organizations respond more quickly to changing market conditions as they can access more resources as needed. It also helps healthcare organizations rapidly adapt to evolving regulations and technologies.

Cloud computing helps healthcare organizations reduce medical errors by providing real-time access to data. Organizations can also reduce their risk of data breaches, as cloud solutions are typically more secure than on-premise solutions.

The Daunting Sies of Using the Cloud for Healthcare

In the same way that there are benefits to using the cloud for medical care, the innovation also has potential drawbacks and dangers to look out for. As a result, many businesses are still determining whether or not to adopt the technology. Some potential risks of using the cloud for medical care include the following:

Moving from an aging system to a cloud-based one necessitates a comprehensive rethink of how work is done. Healthcare institutions need to let everyone know what their daily work means.

One of the main ways this technology is used is to store sensitive medical information in the cloud. However, because of this, it’s vulnerable to assault. In addition, in a typical configuration, the data of many healthcare organizations is stored on the same server, leading to a risk of security breaches. Also, the isolation mechanisms put in place to prevent cross-contamination may fail.

COMPUTER VISION FOR HEALTHCARE

Like other industries, healthcare won’t become more efficient by only adopting cloud computing. Instead, to get the most out of the technology, healthcare organizations must connect it to IoT, AI, and data management systems.

When it comes to healthcare software, it can be hard to find skilled developers who know how to use the latest innovations. Similarly, it can take a lot of work to track down cloud experts with experience in the health system.

how to choose a cloud provider

Choosing the Best Cloud Platform for Your Healthcare Business

Microsoft Cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS), IBM Cloud, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) are all well-known platforms for healthcare. However, the best cloud platform for healthcare depends on the needs and budget of the healthcare organization. 

For example, a company might need to store and manage many data in a HIPAA-compliant way. Therefore, a public cloud platform like Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure may be the best. On the other hand, if an organization needs a more secure solution, a private cloud solution such as OpenStack or VMware vCloud may be the best option. 

Google Cloud Platform offers healthcare organizations various services, including big data analysis and AI. In comparison, IBM offers cloud-based AI and blockchain solutions.

THE APP SOLUTIONS – CUSTOM HEALTHCARE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

How does Cloud Computing Impact Your Healthcare Practice?

Cloud Computing is disrupting the Healthcare Industry. Here are the five significant Impacts of Cloud Adoption in Healthcare:

  • Integration: Organizations can easily integrate and securely access patient data across multiple points of origin and storage. This enables healthcare providers to deliver timely, personalized care while also reducing operational costs.
  • Access to high-powered analytics: Healthcare organizations can compute relevant patient data from multiple sources and automate processes, providing real-time access to data and helping to reduce medical errors.
  • Scalability: Cloud Computing offers affordable and quicker scalability solutions that can be highly customized to healthcare needs. 
  • Regularly updated information: Cloud Computing helps healthcare organizations stay updated on the latest Medical Research and Treatments. Cloud computing is changing how data is stored, accessed, and shared in the healthcare industry. This can help them provide the best care and improve patient outcomes.
  • Increased collaboration: Cloud solutions have become a crucial part of healthcare organizations’ digital transformation, enabling them to securely share healthcare data and collaborate with other organizations more efficiently.

Conclusion

Cloud computing has significantly impacted the healthcare industry, and the technology is expected to keep growing in the coming years. It has become an important part of the digital transformation of the healthcare system because it lets healthcare organizations store and manage their data more efficiently and securely while giving their customers better services.

WE ARE A TOP CLOUD COMPUTING COMPANY

When choosing a cloud healthcare platform or engineers, organizations should consider what they need and how much they can spend. Cloud solutions can help healthcare organizations stay competitive and give their patients the best care possible.

If you still have questions, contact us. The APP Solutions has deep expertise in the field, so don’t hesitate to get us about this or any other issue.  

Do you want to take your healthcare business to the cloud? Check out this article to find out all you need to know about cloud computing solutions in healthcare.

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Healthcare Chatbot: Improving Telemedicine & Enhancing Patient Communication

Posted on by Pavel Tantsiura
Content:

The healthcare industry is constantly evolving to meet its customers’ needs. A noteworthy trend that is emerging is the use of chatbots. These computer programs, which use artificial intelligence to automate customer service, make it easier for medical providers and patients to communicate.

Chatbots in healthcare are gaining traction, and research suggests that by 2032, the global market for healthcare chatbots will be worth $944.65 billion. The increase in internet penetration, smart device adoption, and the demand for remote medical assistance drive this market forward.

healthcare chatbot market size

In this article, we’ll cover the three main types of healthcare chatbots, how they are used, their advantages and disadvantages, and which one is right for your organization.

BEST CHATBOT DEVELOPMENT TRENDS AND BUSINESS APPLICATIONS

Primary Categories of Medical Chatbots

Chatbots can be broadly divided into three main categories: clinical support, decision support, and healthcare. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

  • Decision-support chatbots provide medical advice based on the data collected from the patient. They can be used to remind patients of drug interactions, suggested doses, and so on.
  • Clinical support chatbots are developed to offer professional medical advice to doctors, helping them make more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
  • Healthcare-focused chatbots are used to promote communication between health providers and patients. These chatbots are commonly employed in healthcare to respond quickly to common queries and provide general medical advice.

How Exactly are AI Chatbots being used in Healthcare?

Chatbots, powered by artificial intelligence, are used in various ways to improve the patient experience and simplify medical procedures. To get a better handle on the application of AI bots in healthcare, check out these examples: 

  • Appointment Booking: 

Chatbots can be integrated with online booking systems, making it a cinch for patients to set up or change visits with their medics. 

  • Virtual Health Guides: 

Chatbots use natural language processing (NLP) to comprehend and answer patient queries. For example, they can give information on common medical conditions and symptoms and even link to electronic health records so people can access their health information.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CREATE A CHATBOT: PLATFORM VS. CUSTOM 

  • Clinical Studies: 

AI chatbots can assess patients for clinical trial eligibility and supply information about ongoing trials, accelerating the process of enrolling participants and collecting data.

  • Prescription Refills:

Chatbots make it quicker than ever to get refills on prescriptions – no more waiting around.

Chatbots specially designed for mental health are invaluable for those struggling with depression, anxiety, and other issues. They provide a secure outlet for communication and lessen feelings of loneliness.

  • Remote Monitoring:

Thanks to AI chatbot healthcare, remote patient health status monitoring is easier than ever. In addition, wearable devices can now supply data to healthcare providers to keep tabs on potential problems.

HOW MENTAL HEALTH CHATBOTS HANDLE STRESS?


It’s important to note that chatbots are never meant to supplant healthcare professionals – they make their jobs more straightforward and accessible to patients.

 

The Role of Intelligent Chatbots in Healthcare [2023 New Applications]

Health organizations are increasingly turning to chatbots, and this tendency will continue to gain momentum in 2023 and beyond. Some of the novel and creative approaches include the following:

Making a splash in the world of telemedicine is one of the most promising areas of application. Healthcare chatbots provide patients with virtual medical consultations and advice so they can avoid leaving the coziness of their homes to get professional assistance.

Chatbots can also be handy in managing and administering medication. These bots can remind patients to take their meds, give info regarding drug interactions, and alert them if there are any issues with their treatment.

5 CHALLENGES OF CHATBOTS FOR BUSINESS AND HOW TO OVERCOME THEM

Medical data analysis is another area where chatbots can prove useful. AI bots assist physicians in quickly processing vast amounts of patient data, enabling healthcare workers to acquire info about potential health issues and receive personalized care plans.

healthcare chatbot for routine diagnostic tasks

A healthcare chatbot can link patients and trials according to their health data and demographics, boosting clinical trial participation and accelerating research.

Chatbots can manage mundane tasks like scheduling appointments and providing simple answers about treatments and insurance.

The medical chatbot can assist as an interpreter for non-English speaking patients. The bot can then interpret during consultations and appointments, eliminating language issues.

AI chatbots are also being used to uphold and teach people about their well-being. It will give advice on healthy eating, offer lifestyle modifications, and remind them of other important activities.

Suicides are a growing epidemic, so let’s tackle it head-on with technology. We can design an app and chatbot with mental health resources that deliver tailored Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. AI tech can help those in need by reminding them of appointments, offering tips for treatment, and providing invaluable assistance in tackling their mental health issues.

BENEFITS OF USING CHATBOTS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

The Pros and Cons of Healthcare Chatbots

There are benefits and drawbacks to using chatbots in medicine, just as with any new technology. So why don’t we briefly talk about some of them below?

According to Statista, by 2022, the market size of customer service from artificial intelligence chatbots in China will amount to around 7.1 billion Yuan. AI can be a real “plus” for the healthcare industry too. 

ai market

Some of the many rewards it offers include:

Chatbots can help the health sector save an estimated $11 billion annually! Automating some tasks and quickly responding to basic questions result in reduced medical service expenses and free up doctors to tackle more complex issues.

Chatbots can be used to streamline and make healthcare services more efficient.

In addition to saving money, medical bots can offer faster access to healthcare services. According to a survey, 78% of people prefer using bots for medical services. 

AI-powered chatbots are able to provide comprehensive support and advice to patients and follow-up services.

Harnessing AI capabilities, chatbots can provide thorough aid and counsel to patients, as well as follow-up consultations and treatments.

THE HEALTHCARE ECOSYSTEMS: A TOUR THROUGH THE HEALTH-INTERCONNECTED WORLD 

advantages of ai chatbots in healthcare

A further benefit of a medical chatbot is that it can furnish individualized healthcare services, guidance, and assistance to patients. Utilizing the power of AI, these chatbots can provide every patient with personalized advice and reminders tailored to their requirements.

On the opposite side of the coin, there are a few obstacles to consider when contemplating the development of healthcare chatbots. Let’s take a gander at the downsides. 

Putting together an AI that can handle delicate medical information can be pretty intricate and take longer than expected.

One major disadvantage is that, for the time being, chatbots cannot deliver thorough medical counsel. Thus, these should be employed in conjunction with the direction of certified medical experts and not as a substitution.

Also, ethical and security problems may appear when bots access patient records. Some chatbots may not include the necessary safety measures to securely store and process confidential patient data, thereby risking patient privacy. Health services that employ a chatbot for medical reasons must take precautions to prevent data breaches.

TOP 10 HEALTHCARE TRENDS EXPECTED TO BE IN 2023

The stellar performance of healthcare chatbots is only as good as the info they’re fed. Feed them incorrect details, and their misdiagnoses or shady treatments flummox you. To ensure accurate results, keep patient data up-to-date and current!

cloud computing for ai chatbots

Chatbots may not be able to provide the full scope of mental health support, so healthcare organizations must pair them with dedicated medical professionals for comprehensive aid.

How to Choose an AI Chatbot for Your Healthcare Organization

When choosing an AI chatbot for your healthcare organization, there are several factors to consider.

  • Type

The first step in developing a healthcare chatbot is determining its purpose. Specifically, do you need one that can help you make decisions and support you clinically or one that focuses on providing general medical guidance to patients?

  • Features 

Think about what the chatbot can do and what features it has. Askings questions like “can I get specific recommendations and reminders from the chatbot?” “Can patient information be safely stored and processed?” can help you make the right choice.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO DEVELOP AN APP: DETAILED FEATURE BREAKDOWN

  • Costs

Also, take into account the cost of the chatbot. They can be expensive, so you should consider the price and make sure it fits your budget.

Costs of implementing a healthcare chatbot
  • Security

Pay close attention to the chatbot’s security settings and how to protect patient data is essential. Ensure that it has the right security measures to keep sensitive patient information from getting into the wrong hands.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HEALTHCARE?

Chatbots and Their Place in Healthcare

Chatbots could help improve health care by providing information, answering patients’ questions, and helping to sort out symptoms. A chatbot can tell you about general health or how to deal with a certain condition, for example. They also help healthcare providers by answering patients’ frequently asked questions and directing them to the right care. 

Healthcare facilities must use chatbots in a responsible and protected manner. They can’t replace doctors and nurses, so that’s something to remember. For the best results in patient care, hospitals, clinics, and other organizations should integrate bots with medical professionals and psychologists.

HEALTHCARE APPS DEVELOPMENT: TYPES, EXAMPLES, AND FEATURES

Outcomes

Healthcare chatbots have the potential to revolutionize the health industry. They are a powerful and cost-effective way to provide medical advice and support to patients and health providers. They also provide personalized advice and reminders tailored to the individual patient’s needs.  

Technology is still in its early stages, and chatbots still need to be built, tested, and regulated based on their usage in medical care. It is important, though, that healthcare organizations use these bots safely and responsibly. Nevertheless, we are excited about the future!

Do you need a team of specialists who will work with you to create a healthcare chatbot for your app and protect against cyberattacks?

The APP Solutions is a leading healthcare technology company that creates innovative products to improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare processes. Our talented developers and designers work hard to give our clients the most advanced, secure, and effective solutions to improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare processes. 

We have a proven track record of delivering high-quality, user-friendly, and scalable healthcare technology solutions. Our expertise includes developing electronic health records (EHR) systems, telemedicine platforms, patient portals, and chatbots for mobile health, among other things. Our solutions are designed to comply fully with HIPAA and HITECH. Contact us today, and you will be glad you did.



Telemedicine vs. Telehealth: A Comprehensive Guide on the Differences & Benefits

Posted on by Pavel Tantsiura
In this issue:

What could be more personal than a doctor’s appointment regarding sensitive information for anyone? Yet, a doctor is one of the few professions required to maintain data privacy. That is why we lock the door when we walk into a specialist’s office. 

However, digitalization has reached healthcare over time, and appointments have slowly begun to flow online. COVID-19 added fuel to the fire when face-to-face contact, including in medical facilities, was drastically limited. 

Before the pandemic, there was also a range of problems that prevented doctor visits – mismatched patient and doctor gap; low patient mobility; long distances to the hospital; lack of subspecialty doctors or expensive diagnostic and surgical equipment in the nearest county; and expired insurance. These and many others became factors in which visits to the doctor were continually delayed, sometimes with potentially fatal consequences.

telecommunications technologies in the service of remote healthcare services

Hence, the need lined up to create and rapidly develop web and mobile solutions that would cover the industry’s need for better time management for both the physician and the patient. According to SingleCare, the number of providers offering telemedicine services increased from 19% to 58% during the pandemic. At the same time, according to their data, ¾ of respondents are willing to use telehealth services. Meanwhile, a face-to-face visit would be entirely satisfactory for respondents too.

Achievements in information and communication technology today offer us online visits to the doctor, which are called differently – Telehealth, Telemedicine, and others similar terms… Depending on the context, these terms can be both synonymous and differ in specific nuances. So let’s explore the similarities and contrasts between them. 

HEALTHCARE CHATBOT: IMPROVING TELEMEDICINE & ENHANCING PATIENT COMMUNICATION

What is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine uses digitalized communication technologies to provide various types of medical and diagnostic services, usually provided by physicians or, simply put, treatment at a distance. A term introduced before anything else in its “class.” It is a remote doctor’s appointment that involves both making diagnoses (enabled by such communication) and tracking progress during a patient’s recovery. 

According to Statista, the market is projected to grow significantly by 2030, estimated at nearly $460 billion.

remote healthcare services statistics

  • Alternative to an in-person physical examination (prevention, history taking, diagnosis)
  • Distant monitoring (follow-up visits, post-op support)
  • Remote clinical services: management of chronic diseases, mental health services

CHOOSING TELEMEDICINE SOFTWARE DURING COVID-19: A COMPLETE GUIDE

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth is a similar term but a broader one. It covers not only medical but also paramedical services (educational, administrative, coaching). That is, it is not only a doctor-patient relationship. The definition also includes nurses, pharmacists, and social workers – all the services they can provide remotely.

For example, programs for professional health-related education of patients, social support, and control over medication adherence. Telehealth also includes so-called asynchronous conferences, when participants do not view data simultaneously and communicate with a “delay.” That is, not in real time, but with saving and forwarding materials. This practice is good, for example, for the consensus of doctors when several experts from different parts of the country have to analyze a patient’s medical history and give their opinion. 

patient health education
  • Video Conferencing (patient consultation, webinars for medical staff)
  • mHealth (Mobile Health, e.g., an app that alerts the public to health conditions)
  • Remote Health Monitoring/ Remote Patient Monitoring (blood pressure, heart rate, weight, blood glucose, and oxygen levels, menstrual cycle)

Thus, the prefix “tele-” does not only refer to video but also any other data in an online format because, from the Greek, “tele” translates as – far away, at a distance. 

What is Telecare?

Telecare goes far beyond medicine. Telecare is more about healthy lifestyles in general, that is, how people can control themselves within their non-professional skills. This usually includes consumer-oriented health and fitness apps, sensors and tools that connect users with family members or other caregivers, exercise tracking devices, digital medication reminder systems, and emergency medical alarms for acute deterioration.

There are other, even more, specialized terms, such as teletherapy, telesurgery, telemental health, telescreening, or telemonitoring. Different medical professionals need each of these services in different situations – radiologists, cardiologists, pathologists, dermatologists, nurses, pharmacists, etc. 

But they are pretty specific, so we will not focus on them. 

A GUIDE ON HOW TO CREATE A TELEMEDICINE APP LIKE DOCTOR-ON-DEMAND

The Difference between Telemedicine and Telehealth: Remote Healthcare Services

Simply put, telehealth is a subset of telehealth. Technologies commonly used for telehealth include the internet, video conferencing, stored images, streaming media, and wireless communication. Unlike telemedicine, where only healthcare professionals work, telehealth can also include healthcare workers, educators, pharmacists, and frontline workers.

All of these components are part of the substantial eHealth ecosystem, which includes any other digital data in written/photo/audio form, as well as web and mobile apps or cross-platforms. eHealth refers to the combined use of electronic communication and information technology in the healthcare sector to share, store, and retrieve electronic health data for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and educational and administrative meetings, both locally and at a distance.

For example, an electronic health record (EHR) system with telemedicine functionality. Both telehealth and telemedicine require the provider to use HIPAA-compliant software to protect personal health information. This includes protecting video, photos, and data transmitted through telemedicine platforms.

difference between long distance health care

The APP Solutions Experience: Success Story

The client is the owner of a medical center in Berlin, Germany. After the COVID-19 outbreak, he faced the need to provide patients with a distance communication solution to decrease the number of offline visits while enabling doctors to monitor vital patient health data and streamline communication with a laboratory. 

white lable telecommunication technology

After working with us, the client received a white-label telemedicine platform with advanced features that took us two months.

The white-label platform brings benefits to both types of users.

For example, medical professionals can exchange files with patients via secured live chat, send, and receive laboratory tests in a more streamlined way. 

Patients can receive high-quality medical services in the comfort of their homes, schedule appointments with doctors, attend medical meetings online, and get receipts for medication and medical treatment plans with a daily schedule. The app also allows patients to pay for medical services online. 

HOW TO MAKE EHR/EMR EPIC INTEGRATION WITH YOUR HEALTH APP

deliver medical care app

Pros and Cons of Telehealth and Telemedicine

  • Provides access to a doctor of any profile (from a pediatrician to a speech therapist) for all those who find it difficult to attend an appointment
  • Reduces infrastructure costs, increasing profitability
  • Optimizes the selection of convenient times for both physician and patient
  • Allows for prompt response, diagnosis, and referral to the hospital if necessary (appointments can be made around the clock)
  • Reduces the risk of getting infected by other patients in line 
  • Continuously improves the skills of medical professionals
  • Provides as much privacy as possible (which is essential, for example, when visiting a psychiatrist/psychotherapist), provided that the method of communication you choose has a high degree of healthcare cybersecurity

  • Difficulty in use by people who are not technologically proficient
  • Lack of stable Internet for video sessions
  • Unexpected technical glitches in a particular application or solution
  • Not every insurance company covers these services
  • Quite a significant layer of diagnostic procedures cannot be performed online

Healthcare Apps Development: Types, Examples, And Features


remote clinical services - telehealth visits

The Bottom Line 

Whatever the difference between telehealth and telemedicine, there is no denying their importance in healthcare in the face of the pandemic spread, the overall world population aging, and the significant increase in chronic diseases in societies. The billions of dollars invested in the industry also confirms this.  

All the more, there are no absolute and official terms for these concepts anyway. 

THE APP SOLUTIONS – CUSTOM HEALTHCARE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

It’s important to monitor your health – both online and offline – by resorting to one method or other in each situation. For instance, you can talk to a psychotherapist via Skype, but you should rush to the hospital at the slightest suspicion of a stroke, not try to call your therapist by video. In any case, either Telehealth or Telemedicine helps streamline time, costs, and the overall win-win situation in the relationship between patients and healthcare providers.

Developing a top-notch teleproduct requires a skilled team to ensure safety, user-friendliness, smooth operation, and mass appeal. As shown above, we have experience in developing telemedicine applications. If you have a thought-out project with a business plan, or even just an idea – send us a message! Our experts will contact you to discuss further steps.