Some of the mechanisms of telemedicine include:
- Networked programs which link hospitals and clinics with other healthcare centers through the use of high speed internet connections.
- Home connections that connect doctors, nurses, or other caregivers directly to patients so that they can provide healthcare.
- Home care that uses phone lines or internet connections for pulmonary, fetal, and cardiac monitoring.
- Web based e-health sites that connect patients directly to health information or health care.
About the author: An expert in the field of telemedicine, Dr. Peter Killcommons works to expand the reach of healthcare to areas in need. He has helped set up telemedicine systems in Afghanistan and Armenia.