Brazil Telemedicine

Telemedicine is the practice of medicine using electronic communication and information technology for the delivery of clinical care. Physicians may consult with, diagnose and treat patients in distant locations by employing Internet technology, video conferencing or other telecommunication systems. Telemedicine can be broken into three main categories: store and forward (SAF), remote patient monitoring and interactive services.

In store and forward (SAF) telemedicine, the person sending the information and the person receiving it do not need to do so simultaneously. Medical data is gathered and then transmitted to a doctor or medical specialist so they can assess it at another time. Although this type of telemedicine is convenient, it is not conducive for emergent care.

Remote patient monitoring, or self-monitoring, is a type of telemedicine in which a health professional can monitor a patient remotely. Various software and technological devices contain sensors that will capture and transmit biometric data. This can be done in real time or the data could be stored and forwarded. This method is primarily done to manage chronic or specific conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease.

Interactive telemedicine is the most like a regular, face-to-face, patient visit. Through phone conversations, video and online communications, interactive telemedicine services provide real time interactions between the patient and provider.