Home doctor visits are not a new concept. They’ve been around for centuries. But like with most old ideas, modern technology is breathing new life to innovate and expand those ideas like never before.
For home doctor visits, that innovation is telemedicine — also known as tele-health, e-health, or virtual healthcare. By combining modern audio-visual and internet technologies with qualified health practitioners, people are able to get health care almost anytime, anywhere.
At a minimum, some kind of video chat program is needed for telemedicine to work. In order to really care for patients, though, new and exciting audio visual solutions are being produced to make healthcare more convenient than ever. Below are some of the most interesting, recent, developments:
Telemedicine Stations and Carts
Telemedicine stations and carts are robust, integrated audio visual solutions designed to provide a basic health check for patients. They’re usually designed with a computer, keyboard, microphone, speakers, and basic diagnosing software. They can be created as mobile carts, or secured in a permanent location. They’re the ideal setup to provide Telehealth in a range of locations such as: homes, businesses, schools, or even correctional facilities.
Cameras
To provide accurate diagnoses, physicians need to be able to capture high-quality live video and high-resolution still images. Examination cameras often present in telemedicine stations provide this high quality imaging with precision and clarity. They typically combine both optical and digital zoom capabilities to achieve 120x magnification for greater precision and accuracy.
Ophthalmoscope
Remote ophthalmoscopy presents many challenges. Chief amongst them is getting a good, clear view of the eye in high-resolution for accurate assessment and diagnosis.
Telemedicine ophthalmoscopes are making this easier and more effective than ever. They can enter a non-dilated pupil with a 25 degree field of view. This is significantly wider than standard ophthalmoscopes used in an optometrist’s office. They can capture 8MP images at 30 frames per second, allowing physicians to spot conditions such as hypertension, papilledema and diabetic retinopathy remotely.
Bluetooth Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Electroencephalograms or EEGs for short can provide crucial information to doctors about the health of a patient’s brain. Unfortunately, due to the complexity, cost, and need for expert readers, many patients who could benefit from an EEG don’t receive one (or at least, not promptly).
Bluetooth EEG devices are a relatively inexpensive and quick way of gathering EEG data. The headsets transmit the data to a laptop or PC, which can then be sent to an expert to interpret. Even if no-one is available to read the information immediately, it allows for the prompt recording of data as early as possible.
Streaming Stethoscopes
Streaming stethoscopes are common in health kiosks and telemedicine stations. They allow heart, lung, and bowel sounds to be live-streamed to a physician anywhere in the world for immediate diagnosis and recording. The transmitting side is made of a chest piece, and the receiving side only needs a headset and recording device. The receiver can adjust the frequency recorded to target the right body systems to listen to specific problems.
Here at Total Rental Solutions we have a tremendous presence in the healthcare industry, we’re committed to being the premier option for your next event. If would like to pair audio visual technology with healthcare contact us today!
