E-Health, Telemedicine

E-health refers to health services and information supplied or enhanced via the Internet and similar technologies, and is a growing field at the crossroads of medical informatics, public health, and business. In a larger sense, the phrase describes not just a technological advancement, but also a state of mind, a style of thinking, an attitude, and a commitment to utilize information and communication technology to enhance health care locally, regionally, and globally. As a result, the "e" in e-health denotes not only "electronic," but also a slew of other "e's" that, taken together, may best describe what e-health is all about (or what it should be).

Telemedicine uses telecommunications technology to allow health care providers to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients from a distance. In the recent decade, the method has undergone a significant transformation, and it is becoming an increasingly vital part of the American healthcare system. In the beginning, telemedicine was primarily utilized to connect doctors treating a patient in one area with specialists in another. This was especially beneficial to rural or hard-to-reach populations where specialists are few. The equipment required to conduct remote visits remained expensive and difficult for the next few decades, so the approach's application remained limited, even as it grew. The advent of the internet ushered in significant changes in the practice of telemedicine. With the emergence of smart devices capable of high-quality video transmission, remote healthcare can now be delivered to patients in their homes, workplaces, or assisted living facilities as an alternative to in-person visits for both primary and specialist care.