What is Telehealth?

Definitions

Telehealth is the provision of health services at a distance using a range of digital technologies.  Examples of telehealth include video consultations to support diagnosis and management, clinical networks and health professional education.

Telecare is the remote or enhanced delivery of care services to people in their own home or a community setting by means of telecommunications and computerised services.   Telecare usually refers to sensors and alerts which provide continuous, automatic and remote monitoring of care needs emergencies and lifestyle changes, using information and communication technology (ICT) to trigger human responses, or shut down equipment to prevent hazards. 

Telehealthcare is defined as the convergence of telecare and telehealth to provide a technology-enabled and integrated approach to the delivery of effective, high quality health and care services.  It can be used to describe a range of care options available remotely by telephone, mobile, broadband and videoconferencing. There is accelerating convergence between telecare and telehealth technologies, with the introduction and expansion of Long Term Condition’s monitoring as part of the "telehealthcare" package available in a person's home, and as part of falls prevention and management approaches.