Telemedicine deployment model (Part 1)
A vital issue for any technology project is how to apply it into practice through an effective model to solve a problem or a demand in society. Similar to telemedicine, we also need to design application models to bring the latest advances in information technology - telecommunications, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, IoT, ... in solving problems of the health system. To analyze this topic clearly, we would like to share a series of articles on telemedicine models in the hope of providing more information for readers in order to implement telemedicine in clinical practice.
Classification based on the method of information acquisition and transmission
This is the most common classification of telemedicine models today, including the following forms:
- Synchronous model: In this model, data is recorded and transmitted online between parties. One of the most common examples of this model is online examination via video conferencing, possibly using additional peripheral equipment such as online ultrasound, stethoscope or real time surgical consultation. This model is relatively convenient and easy to implement, but requires relatively high internet bandwidth, stable connection and specialized hardware equipment.
- Asynchronous model: In this model, clinical information is collected and sent to the receiver. Data can be stored locally or on a server when connected. Participants in the system can view, analyze, evaluate data, integrate into medical records or forward it to other participants. This model is less dependent on the internet connection but makes the administration problem more complicated, suitable for cases involving remote analysis and diagnosis of diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, CT, MRI, endoscopy or lesion imaging in dermatological examination,….
- Telemonitoring: This model uses devices that can record health parameters, send results continuously or periodically to clinicians. For example monitoring of health parameters like blood pressure, home blood glucose or Tele-ICU models.
Classification based on the stakeholders and the direction of the information flow
This classification classifies telemedicine models into the following groups:
- Between patient and healthcare provider: this is the most common and simplest form, patients can communicate with doctors through text messages, video calls, social networks or mobile applications. The website has a network of doctors and a platform for communication. This model is convenient, but it is often difficult for doctors to have enough clinical information and only give limited treatment advice.
- Between health facilities at many levels: This is a model of linkage between different health levels, from district, commune to provincial and central levels, from basic medical centers to specialized hospitals faculty. In this model, the upline can assist the lower level in diagnosis and treatment, especially in emergency situations. Clinical information collected and shared is often more complete, with various forms of examination, testing and imaging. This model also helps patients, after being treated, surgery at higher levels continue to be monitored at lower levels and still receive professional support from higher levels. This is the most important and effective form of telemedicine.
- Peer-level medical facilities: This is a model for sharing expertise, consulting remotely between hospitals at the same level. Because despite being the same level, each hospital will have its own strengths, when encountering a case that the hospital is not qualified enough, it is possible to consult remotely with a colleague or specialist at another hospital. This model is also effective in distance training, CME or scientific conferences with remote lecture reporters and even remote demonstration surgery.
- Between hospitals or health facilities in the same system: For example, in a chain of cardiology hospitals, the patient can be examined and scanned at an external facility in the system, then operated. at the central hospital and returned to the peripheral hospital for follow-up care. This whole process receives professional support from doctors in the central hospital through the remote medical system. This model helps hospital chains (especially in the private health sector) make the most of their resources and save operating costs.
- Home healthcare model: Patients can be examined and monitored at home with personal health monitoring devices capable of transmitting clinical data to the treating doctor. This model can also be performed with the assistance of the facility health worker carrying with them telemetry equipment to connect to a central hospital, possibly combining examination with sampling. experience and other care services. This form is especially suitable to deploy family doctors, to treat patients with mobility difficulties or simply for patients who want to save time in a busy life.
In addition to the above forms, we also have many ways to classify remote medical models such as based on medical expertise or on the type of connected equipment, ... In the following sections, we will help you analyze specific telemedicine models. Please stay tuned as it may be the right model for your medical facility. Or simply, you can call us for a one-on-one consultation.
