The digital evolution of medicine works through ultra-broadbandBroadband The term broadband, in telecommunications, generally refers to the transmission and reception of information data at a connection speed of over 144 kb/s. Broadband organises different channels, conveying different content in the form of data, such as Internet radio, animation, audio files and high-definition video. technology: we will explore the possibility of offering telemedicine for diagnostic visits at a distance.
Treatment, health services and distance visits via an internetInternet The word comes from the fusion of the English terms international and net, i.e. international network. This term refers to the worldwide computer network that users all over the world can access via a computer to transmit and share data and information. connection: telemedicine is now an even more realistic possibility and for some it is considered to be an evolution in traditional medicine.
The Ministry of Health had already published national guidelines for the systematic use of telemedicine by the National Health Service (SSN) in 2012, while at the start of 2020 the Italian Foundation for Cancer Research (AIRC) emphasised how the pandemic became an opportunity to increase its use.
But what exactly are the benefits of telemedicine? Let’s explore them together in these news items.
- Visits and diagnoses at a distance: it’s possible with the internet
- Telemedicine during the time of Covid
- Beyond video consultations: a more complete vision of medicine at a distance
- Not only surgery: the FTHH network supports the entire health system!
Visits and diagnoses at a distance: it’s possible via the internet
To speak of Telemedicine as the digital evolution of traditional medicine is not entirely incorrect: we intend to describe the concept itself, by defining telemedicine as a group of medical and informatic techniques which allow the treatment of a patient – of the provision of healthcare services – at a distance.
Since a doctor-patient consultation at a distance can be practical, it is essential that the medium used can compensate, as far as possible, for the lack of contact. For this an internet connection is essential to support the system: there is no other technology which can simultaneously transmit all the information and the data necessary, not only for observation and monitoring of the patient but also for any doctor-patient consultations or between doctors and other specialists.
Telemedicine during the time of Covid
One of the major advantages of telemedicine is the huge reduction in movement necessary for visits and monitoring and the interaction between the persons involved. While it is true that there are still procedures for which physical presence is required, such as for the taking of samples for examination, the possibility of tele-consultations or treatment monitored at a distance has, in the last two years, underpinned a health system sorely tried by the pandemic. An entire networkNetwork In computer language, the term network defines a set of hardware and software devices which, when linked together, enable the exchange and sharing of resources, data or information. In a computer network, the devices that generate, route and terminate data are called network nodes. of psychiatric and psychological support, for example, has migrated to Skype or has reinvented itself on dedicated mobile Apps, finally making the necessary tools accessible for the well-being of individuals and the community.
Beyond video consultations: a more complete vision of medicine at a distance
Reducing the telemedicine system exclusively to interfacing with specialists via video-call would be restrictive. Telemedicine is in fact one of the most important applications of the Internet of Things which can also be integrated with smart devices.
For example, the existence of an App which can count daily calorie intake, smart watches which monitor the heart rate and the number of steps taken and which can make a call for help if the values indicated do not appear normal.
Instruments and utilities such as those already mentioned are a real revolution in the concept of digital medicine, a combination of practices and technologies which can allow doctors and patients to be monitored and updated precisely and constantly. Devices that monitor blood pressure and heart rate can be connected to the treating doctor’s e-mail address and can send regular reports and charts to provide the most complete data to compile diagnoses and treatment regimes. Simplicity of use is a crucial element which, once parameters to be followed are defined, smart devices can operate autonomously, which means patients are only required to follow the treatment regime.
Not only surgery: the FTTHFTTH “Fiber to the Home” is the technology that connects POPs, located in exchanges, to end users’ property units with fiber optics. network supports the entire health system!
Thus, for a few years already, the combination of medicine and fibre optics has above all become synonymous with laser surgery, and today the FTTH network has the necessary infrastructure so that telemedicine can be implemented and used in the best way. Ultra-broadband is in fact fundamental for the functioning of the Internet of Things and supports the most useful telemedicine applications.
We at Open Fiber have always believed in the opportunities offered by the digital revolution and we are committed to ensuring that every citizen can benefit from it.