Telemedicine from the Perspective of a Medical Student Graduated Twenty Years Ago

Abstract

In a situation in which the extraordinary facilities of information and communication are provided in the integrated global community, we are more and more exposed to its symbols. Any organization and institution needs to use information and communication technology optimally for survival. It is the only way the organization can survive. In this regard, the current study aimed to investigate the facilities and advancements made in terms of services in the ICUs and hospitals by the use of computer and information technology, and compare them with the material and personnel facilities in Iran, especially the ICU unit in Imam Khomeini Hospital, and provide solutions to use these advancements in this unit. The highest emphasis in the current study is put on the wireless equipment used in ICUs such as the IP Phone Pager, Wireless Monitoring, and PDA as well as the electronic ordering systems and computerized systems and protocols of intelligent medial error or drug interaction detection, or the changes in patient’s vital or laboratory signs and sending electronic messages in the form of SMS to the physician’s mobile phone, PDA, or pager, to expedite action in cases of medical emergencies. The results indicated that the physician can assess the patient in the ICU without visiting him/her in person, and have access to the patient’s file via the internet or even his/her mobile phone or PDA.