Robotic Telesurgery

Welcome to Robotic Telesurgery.  Remote surgery (also known as telesurgery) is the ability for a doctor to perform surgery on a patient even though they are not physically in the same location. It is a form of telepresence. Remote surgery combines elements of robotics, cutting edge communication technology such as high-speed data connections and elements of management information systems. While the field of robotic surgery is fairly well established, most of these robots are controlled by surgeons at the

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location of the surgery. Remote surgery is essentially advanced telecommuting  for surgeons, where the physical distance between the surgeon and the patient is immaterial. It promises to allow the expertise of specialized surgeons to be available to patients worldwide, without the need for patients to travel beyond their local hospital. Thanks for visiting Robotic Telesurgery.         

Online Medicine – The Doctor is IN

Online Medicine – The Doctor is IN

Technology has changed our lives drastically over the past 20 years. Just about everything can be done online these days from shopping, dating and working to even consulting a doctor thousands of miles away.

One of the fastest growing online medical Internet platforms is Myca which allows doctor-patient consultation remotely, by phone, email, instant messaging or even videoconferencing. It also enables patients to schedule doctor’s appointments online. Myca is barely two years old but has gained quite a following. In the US, the Myca Platform goes under the Hello Health trademark. Welcome to today’s e-practice. The doctors call themselves “your friendly 21st doctors in the neighbourhood”.

Telemedicine / virtual medicine encompasses any digital form (e-mail, fax, telephone, videoconferencing, etc.) of bringing together patients and physicians. However, with the arrival of less expensive broad-band internet access and digital imaging, telemedicine currently refers to interactive, full motion, two-way video and audio over high-speed data networks. Patients and physicians are connected through secure web camera video that also allows rapid assessment of the patient.

What makes e-practices appealing?

(1) Cost-efficiency. E-practices need fewer personnel to run and operate, need less space to rent, thus have less overhead. This translates into cheaper bills for patients. E-practices normally charge less than the traditional doctor’s practice.

(2) Convenience. E-practices are efficient and convenient. Patients can set appointments online, and can choose the media they prefer. There are less hassles, no long waiting time in waiting rooms, no long drives or commutes to see a specialist. Refilling of prescriptions goes faster. Medical information is all stored electronically, easily available for future use.

(3) Privacy. For one reason or another, patients may prefer a more discrete way of consulting a doctor rather than just simply walking into a doctor’s practice. E-practices offer the anonymity that many patients may wish for. For the Internet generation, online medicine is hip and cool. The Facebook-like platform of Hello Health appeals to this age group.

Skeptics, however, assert that virtual practices can’t truly replace traditional face-to-face medical practice. Here are their arguments:

(1) Lack of empathy. Many people feel that medicine is becoming dehumanized by technological advancement. Bedside manners are important aspects of medicine wherein e-practices are rather lacking. A picture on the video screen or a voice over the phone is no substitute for a flesh-and-blood doctor.

(2) Data protection and privacy. E-practices have to rely on electronic health records. Due to well-publicized cases of data stealing and hacking, concerns over data protection are still a major hurdle to overcome.

(3) Regulation and accreditation. Virtual practices now exist all over the world, from Europe to India. Anybody can pretend to be health practitioner online. Scams over the Internet abound. Think about online pharmacies that offer all types of medications that may turn out to be counterfeit, much worse dangerous. Many health advocates are concerned about similar scams that can put the susceptible patient at risk. Currently, there are no real regulations governing e-practices.

Telemedicine doesn’t simply stop at consultation but extends to follow-up care of the chronically ill. How about having somebody to remind you of checking your blood pressure, taking your medicine, and refilling your prescription? Canadian researchers investigated the effect of computer-automated phone calls in the management of hypertension. Their results show that such a system helps patients manage their hypertension effectively.

A policy statement from the American Heart Association recommends “the implementation of telemedicine within stroke systems of care.” These