The article titled “Embracing a Revolution- Telemedicine” was highly educative and contemporary. The author has dealt in depth with the technical aspects of telemedicine. As users of this technology for the last 18 months from two separate remote hospitals, we would like to make the following observations and suggestions:
-
1.
Legal issues mentioned by the author in passing, are important concerns. Questions arise as to,
Is the advice given by the consultant from a tertiary center binding on the treating doctor seeking the consultation? Is the consultant giving advice legally liable for his advice?
In the medical context a “consultation” or “opinion entails” certain preclusions i.e. an interaction between doctor and patient, clinical examination and evaluation. The advice thus obtained is binding on the attending physician and the consultant is liable for his consultation.
Telemedicine involves a consultant depending on the skill of the attending physician and hence his “advice” is dependent on the limitations of the attending physician. A telemedicine consultation may therefore be termed “tele-advice” which is just an “advice” and neither binding on the attending physician nor is the consultant liable for his advice.
-
2.
Given the short reaction time in emergency conditions the utility of this technology can be limited. In services, consultation, may involve specialist/super specialist examination, investigation, and “opinion” where telemedicine may obviate necessity of movement of patients.
-
3.
Attending academic events by telemedicine has been a boon to us at remote far-flung locations.
Reference
- 1.Dheer A, Chaturvedi RK. Embracing a Revolution — Telemedicine. MJAFI. 2005;61:51–56. doi: 10.1016/S0377-1237(05)80121-2. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]