Telemedicine and e-healthcare are new ways of delivering healthcare allowing a change from a centralised service to one which is patient centred, resource efficient and where decisions are made at a level closer to the patient. The two terms are used when referring to a number of applications of information and communication technology (ICT) to medicine.

In telemedicine and e-healthcare, ICT is often coupled to other technologies or services to involve patients more closely in their healthcare process.

Telemedicine

Existing applications encompass clinical and home based healthcare and also acute and emergency care.

Examples
of telemedicine

e-Healthcare

Information technology and the Internet are revolutionising the delivery of healthcare for patients and consumers and also for healthcare providers.

Examples
of e-healthcare

Telemedicine and e-healthcare will change the place of care and
the configuration of healthcare services, with more care provided
at home and in the community and less in hospitals.

Patients can benefit from reductions in the amount and cost of their
time and travel in obtaining healthcare, leading to increased
access. The healthcare process can be speeded up and waiting
lists reduced, leading to better quality healthcare delivered to
more people through improved use of resources.