Teleradiology and Remote Patient Care

Teleradiology and Remote Patient Care

Written By Dr. Sherine Hamed

Specialist of Diagnostic Radiology – Teleradiology Medical Administrator

Doctor looking at x-rays الأشعة عن بُعد

What is teleradiology, and how does it work?

  • Teleradiology is the electronic transmission of diagnostic imaging studies from one location to another for the purposes of interpretation and/or consultation. 
  • This definition includes interfacility PACS networks as well as remote teleradiology. 
  • Teleradiology is a quality-centered, patient-focused method of augmenting services. It must never compromise the radiologist’s responsibility to provide quality professional services.

What are the benefits?

Teleradiology allows for several benefits and advantages in the field of medical imaging. These include:

  • More time and efficient interpretation of radiological images.
  • Improve quality of service and patient care.
  • Improve patient care in rural areas.
  • Maintain service during critical system events.
  • Gives greater access to secondary consultations.
  • Promotes continuing education and better use of resources.
  • less time-consuming with commuting and patient waiting.
  • More convenience, reduced costs, and greater access to care.
  • Access to specialists outside your local area.
  • Shorter hospital stays with at-home monitoring capabilities.

Are there any risks? 

  • Teleradiology is probably the most successful e-health service available today. At the same time, providing protection of patient privacy and clinical data security is challenging which is opposed by dealing with verified platforms, and the necessary security and privacy-enhancing tools should be selected based on the risk analysis and requirements set by the legislation.