A Developmental Process of Telemedicine, e-Health & u-Health

ABSTRACT

As Information Technology has developed, there has been a birth of new medical fields including telemedicine, e-Health, and u-Health. The differences between the new terms resulted from renewed definitions with the development of technology. However, aside from the simple change in terminology medical services that use the terms has expanded along with the change in terminology. Currently most countries use telemedicine as a part of their healthcare system. As such, related devices and services have been slated to become a totally new industry. In Korea, due to the advances in IT, Increase in medically vulnerable and aging population, and increase in the number of patients with chronic disease, telemedicine has been widely used in public healthcare system. Several developmental attempts by public and private sectors have had limited success due to legal and institutional limitations but recent changes in medical law and movement to allow tele-diagnosis and treatment in the public sector has brought in a new era. Although development of telemedicine technology may be the key, it is even more important that the development in medical services models as well as their application be on the same track. Furthermore, from the clinical and academic standpoint, the aspects of safety, efficiency, and economic viability must be thoroughly tested and applied. Most importantly, active involvement from the medical community in development of new medical technology as well as new service models for diagnosis and treatment is required. The most advanced technology would be useless if it is not being actively utilized by the medical community in the treatment and management of patients.