Medical and Legal Aspects of Telemedicine in Ophthalmology

Gianfranco G and Mauro S

Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy Department of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy

^*Correspondance to: Gianfranco Gioia 

 PDF  Full Text Review Article | Open Access

Abstract:

Telemedicine can provide adequate medical assistance for physically distant patients utilizing the joint adoption of Information and Communication Technologies. Telemedicine is the set of techniques and tools for health monitoring and cares implemented through systems providing rapid access to both specialists and patients, regardless of where they are located respectively. We live in the age of communication, and we have long had the problem of how to improve health in health systems. Telemedicine seems to be a viable alternative in order to eliminate the gap between human and economic resources. Due to its characteristics, it can contribute to improving access to specialized healthcare and the quality of life of people, especially in populations lacking qualified personnel, in remote or difficult access areas or patients with chronic diseases, by reducing long waiting lists and high costs for the health systems. While the telemedicine projects between different countries are developing more and more, the inherent ethical and legal problems are emerging at the same time. This article refers to telemedicine as a broad concept, including several types of distance medicine, thus identifying its strengths and weaknesses that will be the primary purpose of the medical-legal aspects. We will also describe its application in the ophthalmological field and the main issues raised by its implementation.

Keywords:

Telemedicine; Ophthalmology; Medical Ethics; E-Health; Telecare

Cite the Article:

Gianfranco G, Mauro S. Medical and Legal Aspects of Telemedicine in Ophthalmology. Clin Case Rep Int. 2019; 3: 1110.