Evolutions in Telemedicine: From Smoke Signals to Mobile Health Solutions

Today access to health information and healthcare services are made more accessible through new telecommunication methods. Although the term “telemedicine” has been used to describe the use of video and audio tools to deliver and access healthcare, in today’s mobile-centric society, it has taken on another meeting. Telemedicine has come to mean access to tools that can be used to gain access to health information. Through the 1960s and into the 1990s, major technological advances have transformed the telecommunications marketplace and revolutionized access to health services using technology. Today, the popularity of mobile devices as well as revived support for the cost savings gained by telemedicine once again brings the concept to the fore. This article provides a brief look at the history of telemedicine and examine some of the new technologies that are, once again, making telemedicine a “hot topic” for both patients and practitioners. Considering the new trends in telemedicine may help hospital librarians better support the needs of telemedicine users at their institution.