Traditionally, telemedicine has been defined as the practice of medicine at a distance with the use of videoconferencing, computer and communications technologies. Two other terms, telehealth and e-health, were later coined to signify the inclusion of allied health, distance education and Internet applications. In reality, telemedicine incorporates telehealth and e-health concepts and uses any of the available applicable electronic means to extend health care services and health sciences education to where and when it is needed.
When distance separates the medical professional from the patient, telemedicine is tapped using electronic communication and information technologies to provide health care. Health care professionals can use “connected” medical devices to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients in other locations. The key components of telemedicine include specialized application software, data storage devices, database management software and medical devices capable of electronic data collection, storage and transmission.