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. 2020 Sep 30;17(1):26–31. doi: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2020.09.014

Table 2.

Modalities of Telehealth

Type of telehealth Delivery format Applications Advantages and disadvantages
Videoconferencing, telephone Synchronous Primary care and obstetrics Advantages:
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    Immediate, clear, and accurate information in real time

  • -

    Allows effective patient–physician verbal exchanges

  • -

    Comparable health outcomes

  • -

    Limited exposure to clinics/other patients and lower risk of COVID-19 infections

Disadvantages:
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    Ethical concern of absence of face-to-face relationship or encounters

  • -

    Limited physical examination

  • -

    Requires quiet and private environment

  • -

    Patient–physician relationship may be compromised
Recordings (video and audio) Asynchronous Educational and support intervention Advantages:
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    Easy and flexible access to educational material

Disadvantages:
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    No immediate resources for questions
SMS (text messaging)
Smartphone apps
Online chats		 Asynchronous Educational and support intervention Advantages:
  • -

    Effective and easier access to timely information and support

Disadvantages:
  • -

    Requires digital devices and Internet

  • -

    Lacks human connection